Serum immunoglobulin M, G, and A concentration levels in Turner's syndrome compared with normal women and men.

Abstract

Serum concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) were determined in 15 women with a lack of X chromsome material (Turner's syndrome), and compared with the immunoglobulin concentrations in normal men and women. Further, the investigation is supplemented by a comparison of normal women and the Turner group matched according to age. The serum concentrations of IgG and IgA in women with Turner's syndrome were very close to the concentration in serum from normal men, whereas the concentration of IgM was significantly lower. Compared to normal women the concentrations of IgG and IgM were significantly lower, and the concentration of IgA significantly higher in the Turner group. Whether these differences in serum immunoglobulins are determined by hormonal factors or under direct genetic control linked to the X chromosomes, is discussed.