Abstract
Total B-cell numbers, serum immunoglobulin levels, autoantibody formation, and suppressor/helper cell function were evaluated in a group of well-nourished healthy aged individuals (65–103 years). Total B-cell numbers in the elderly were similar to those in young controls. Mean IgG levels were significantly higher ( P < 0.05) and mean IgM levels were significantly lower ( P < 0.01) in the aged, while IgA levels were comparable to those of young controls. Autoantibodies were found in 28%. Using peripheral blood lymphocyte coculture techniques, we found normal helper/suppressor cell function in this elderly population. As a further investigation of suppressor cell function, we demonstrated that concanavalin A preincubation of peripheral blood lymphocytes from the elderly and from young controls generated equally effective suppressor cells for IgG secretion into coculture supernatants. It is possible that defects in macrophage/phagocytic cell function could lead to the abnormalities in humoral immune responses seen in the elderly.
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