Serum IgE levels in parents and children

Abstract

Serum IgE levels have been determined in 80 families. Levels less than 150 μ/ml were considered low, levels of 150 μ/ml or above were considered high. Fifty-one matings were between parents with low levels of IgE; 19% of their offspring had high levels. Twenty-two matings were between parents one of whom had a low level of IgE and one of whom had a high level; approximately half (43%) of their children had high levels. Seven of the matings were between parents with high levels, approximately three-quarters (77%) of their children had high levels. The results are consistent with low IgE levels being determined by the presence of two dominant genes, the absence of one or the other permitting high levels to occur. The ultimate levels of IgE are probably also influenced by age and environmental factors such as exposure to helminth and other antigens.