The Influence of Heredity and Environment on Human Immunoglobulin Levels

Abstract

IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, kappa and lambda levels were determined in 24 sets of fraternal twins, 21 sets of identical twins, and 15 normal subjects bled weekly for 25 weeks. By statistical comparison of differences among these groups, the influences of heredity and environment on immunoglobulin levels were determined. An hereditary influence was detected on the levels of immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgD, and an environmental influence was detected on the levels of immunoglobulins IgA and IgM and on light chains kappa and lambda.