The Gamma Globulins and Their Clinical Significance

Abstract

(Continued)*Clinical Disturbances of Gamma-Globulin MetabolismAlterations in gamma-globulin metabolism associated with clinical disease may occur in a variety of ways, and the disease may or may not be a direct consequence of the alteration. Thus, plasma gamma globulins may be decreased, with a consequent deficiency of specific antibodies, because of decreased synthesis, as in agammaglobulinemia, or because of renal loss and increased catabolism, as in the nephrotic syndrome in children. On the other hand, gamma globulins may be increased in chronic infection, and although the increase may be attributable to continued or repeated antigenic stimulation, the infection may be . . .