BIOLOGICAL VARIATION OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN CONCENTRATIONS IN NORMAL HUMAN TEARS RELATED TO AGE AND SEX

Abstract

Single radial immunodiffusion method was used to measure the concentration of Ig[immunoglobulin]G, IgA, IgM and IgD in tears of 220 healthy individuals aged 2-86 yr. Relation of the values to age and sex was evaluated statistically by regression analysis method. Mean IgA level was 30.7 mg/100 ml. IgG could be detected in 200 samples and the level was less than 1 mg/100 ml. IgM was detected in only 7 samples and the value was less than 1 mg/100 ml. IgD could not be detected in any of the sample. The IgA levels in males and females differed significantly, the females having a higher mean value. The IgA level appears to increase in both sexes with age. No relationship with age and sex could be established in other types of Ig.