THE RELATIONSHIP OF SERUM IMMUNOGLOBULIN-E TO CIGARETTE-SMOKING

Abstract

Data from adults enrolled in a general population study in Tucson, Arizona [USA], indicated that smokers had higher serum IgE concentrations than nonsmokers, despite a lower rate of allergy skin test reactivity, at least after 35 yr of age. After 15 yr of age there was a significant decline in serum IgE with age in allergy skin test positive and skin test negative nonsmokers but no significant age decline was noted in similar groups of smokers. Ex-smokers showed a decline in serum IgE concentrations since quitting cigarettes. The marked increase in geometric mean IgE that was seen in nonsmokers during the spring was not observed in smokers. Data suggested that smoking led, directly or indirectly, to increased serum IgE and this excess IgE might be qualitatively different from that seen in nonsmokers. Possible mechanisms for the effect were discussed. The observations raised the possibility that some adverse health effects of smoking might be immunologically mediated.