Γ-globulin Concentration Research Articles

Increased circulating transforming growth factor β1 in a patient with giant hepatic hemangioma: Possible contribution to an impaired immune function

A patient, having a huge hepatic hemangioma, presented with decreases in the number of peripheral lymphocytes and in serum concentrations of γ-globulin and immunoglobulin (Ig) G, and a negative purified protein derivatives skin test, indicating that the patient's immunity was impaired. The plasma concentration of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), a potent immunosuppressor, in the patient was markedly elevated (113 ng/mL, normal < 5). After the surgical removal of the tumor, the plasma TGF-β1 concentration decreased, and the patient's immunity was restored to normal. Northern blot analysis showed an overexpression of the TGF-β1 gene in the hemangioma tissue, while normal control liver tissue expressed undetectable levels of TGF-β1 messenger RNA. These results suggest that the elevated levels of TGF-β1 in the plasma were derived from the giant hemangioma tissue and may have contributed to the impaired immune function in the patient.(Hepatology 1997 Jan;25(1):93-6)

Blast transformation of lymphocytes and the activity of natural killer cells in the presence of γ-globulinin vitro

The cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells against3H-uridine-labeled target cells (human erythromyeloleukosis cells K-562) and the intensity of spontaneous blast transformation are studiedin vitro in the presence of human serum γ-globulin. It is shown that spontaneous blast transformation is 49–51% due to the presence of aggregated γ-globulin, while the aggregate-free γ-globulin fraction does not induce this reaction. The cytotoxic activity of natural killer cellsin vitro declines in the presence of native γ-globulin, which is related to the influence of aggregated γ-globulin, the intensity of whose formation may increase upon a manyfold decrease in the γ-globulin content of the preparation.

Composition of cerebrospinal fluid in healthy adult llamas

Summary Cerebrospinal fluid and serum were obtained from 17 adult, healthy llamas (9 males, 1 castrated male, and 7 females). Osmolality; activities of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase; and concentrations of glucose, sodium, chloride, potassium, total protein, and albumin were determined in serum and CSF. Total and differential cell counts were determined in CSF, and electrophoresis of CSF proteins was performed. Total nucleated cell count was low, 0 to 3/μl, which is lower than that reported for other domestic species and is similar to values in healthy people. Differential leukocyte percentages were disparate depending on the degree of blood contamination. Blood contamination influenced the percentage of neutrophils and eosinophils in CSF. Samples with few erythrocytes had differential leukocyte distribution similar to that of other species: mostly lymphocytes, fewer monocytoid cells, and scant neutrophils. Older llamas had a few eosinophils in the CSF. Total protein, albumin, and γ-globulin concentrations in llamas were similar to values in cattle and were higher than values in most domestic species. Glucose concentration in CSF was approximately 40% of the value in serum (nonruminant animals and peoply typically have CSF glucose concentration that is approximately 60 to 80% of the serum glucose concentration). Sodium and Cl concentrations in CSF were higher than those in serum, whereas K concentration was lower in CSF, compared with serum. Activities of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase in CSF were markedly lower than those in serum, and the ranges of values in this group of healthy llamas were narrow.

Composition and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in clinically normal adult cattle

Summary Cerebrospinal fluid and serum were obtained from 16 clinically normal adult cows (11 dairy, 5 beef). Sodium, potassium, magnesium, total protein, and albumin concentrations, osmolality, and lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase activities, were quantified in csf and serum. Total and differential cell counting, protein electrophoresis, and IgG quantification were performed on csf. Statistical analyses of these variables, including mean, sem, range, and 95% confidence intervals, were performed. Effects of blood contamination were evaluated, and were found to be negligible for all measured constituents. Correction factors for csf creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities accounting for cellular contamination were developed. Total nucleated cell count was similar to counts in csf of other species, but higher than values in healthy people. Differential leukocyte count in csf was similar to that reported in csf of other domestic animals: mostly lymphocytes, fewer monocytoid cells, and scant neutrophils. Cerebrospinal fluid protein concentration was higher than concentration reported for dogs, goats, and people, but was similar to values reported for horses. Beef cows had higher csf total protein concentration than did dairy cows; also, beef cows had higher csf γ-globulin concentration. The concentration of sodium in csf was slightly higher than the value in serum, and potassium concentration was lower than the value in serum. In contrast to studies of human beings, csf osmolality was generally less than serum osmolality in the cows studied. Reference values for csf electrolyte concentrations and osmolality are useful for diagnosis of salt poisoning and for assessment of the effects of fluid therapy. Magnesium concentration was lower in csf, compared with serum. Reference values may be useful for diagnosis of grass tetany. Glucose concentration in csf was variable, compared with serum concentration; sometimes, it was similar, lower, or even higher than serum glucose concentration. This variation reflects a more complete equilibration of glucose between csf and blood, owing to the lower and more stable blood glucose concentration in cows. Creatine kinase activity in csf was markedly less than, and was not correlated with, serum creatine kinase activity. Cerebrospinal fluid lactate dehydrogenase activity was markedly lower than serum lactate dehydrogenase activity. Compared with lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase activity had a wider range in these healthy cows; therefore, the former enzyme has higher specificity and sensitivity for diagnosis of diseases affecting the cns.

Serum immunoglobulin concentrations in genetically different types of suckling beef calves in a tropical environment

Factors influencing the serum concentrations of gamma-globulin (gamma-G) during the neonatal period were studied in Shorthorn x Hereford (SH), Africander x SH and Brahman x SH calves born to cows grazing in a tropical environment. There were no significant effects of age of dam, sex or breed of calf on the gamma-G concentrations of calves from birth to 48 hours of age. Concentrations of gamma-G fell within two ranges: group A, 10 to 20 g/l and group B, 35 to 70 g/l. The number of calves in each group was not significantly different between breeds and overall 30% of calves were in group A. Body weight gain from birth to 10-day-old was greater (P less than 0.01) in calves in group B than in group A. Plasma cholesterol concentrations in 10-day-old calves were higher in group B than in group A calves supporting the interpretation that group B calves had higher milk intakes. Identification of calves receiving adequate amounts of colostrum has fundamental significance for the efficient production of cattle in the tropics.

Correlations between IL-2 Enhancing Activity and Clinical Parameters in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

In a previous paper (Tomura, K. et al. Tohoku J. Exp. Med., 1989, 159, 171-183), we discovered IL-2 enhancing factor(s) designated B cell derived-growth enhancing factor-2 (BGEF-2), which enhanced IL-2 dependent cell proliferation, and reported that BGEF-2 was produced by B cells of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) only when they were in the active stage of the disease. In this paper, we studied relationship between each IL-2 enhancing activity from B cell supernatant of the patients with these diseases and clinical parameters. IL-2 enhancing activities did not correlate with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), but correlated with plasma concentrations of gamma-globulin from the patients with RA and SLE in the active stages. IL-2 enhancing activities correlated with hypocomplementemia and leukocytopenia in the patients with SLE, and also correlated with RAHA titer in the patients with RA. Moreover, on several patients with RA or SLE in the active stages, diminution of IL-2 enhancing activity was found when they were in the remission stage after treatments. These findings suggested that IL-2 enhancing activity (i.e., BGEF-2 activity) correlated with activity of these diseases and supported the hypothesis that BGEF-2 played an important role in the polyclonal B cell activation and autoantibody production in patients with these diseases.

Hepatitis C virus antibodies in chronic alcoholic patients: Association with severity of liver injury

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody and its relationship to the severity of liver disease in chronic alcoholic patients has been assessed, using a recently developed enzyme immunoassay and confirmed by a recombinant immunoblot assay, in 144 patients (mean age +/- S.D. = 44.4 +/- 11.3 yr) who had consumed greater than 80 gm/day ethanol for greater than 5 yr. Hepatic disease was evaluated by clinical and biochemical studies and by liver biopsy when appropriate. In addition, 76 liver biopsy specimens from these patients were analyzed to determine whether liver lesions were similar in alcoholic patients with and without hepatitis C virus antibodies. According to clinical and histological features alcoholic patients were divided into five groups: normal liver (45 patients), fibrosteatosis (20 patients), alcoholic hepatitis (14 patients), cirrhosis (61 patients) and chronic hepatitis (4 patients). Hepatitis C virus antibodies were present in 35 alcoholic patients (24.3%). The prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies correlated with the severity of liver injury: 2.2% in patients without liver disease, 20% in those with fibrosteatosis, 41.4% in those with alcoholic hepatitis and 42.6% in those with cirrhosis. Hepatitis C virus antibodies were found in one of the four patients with chronic hepatitis (p less than 0.001). Furthermore, patients positive for hepatitis C virus antibodies with normal liver or fibrosteatosis showed higher serum bilirubin and gamma-globulin concentrations and lower aminopyrine breath test scores than did patients negative for hepatitis C virus antibodies with normal liver or fibrosteatosis. Similar differences between patients with and without hepatitis C virus antibodies were observed in patients with alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

In vivo biocompatibility of aliphatic segmented polyurethane in rabbit

An aliphatic segmented polyurethane with soft to hard segment ratio 3 was synthesised using hexamethylene diisocyanate, polypropylene glycol 400 and 1,4-butane diol.A stainless steel cage implant system has been used to study the in vivo biocompatibility of this polyurethane. United States Pharmacopoeia negative control polyethylene was used for the comparison. Three cages, one with polyurethane another with United States Pharmacopoeia polyethylene and the third control empty cage were implanted subcutaneously in the dorsal aspect of rabbits. The inflammatory exudate surrounding the material was aspirated from the cages on 4, 7, 14 and 21 days after implantation. The total protein content in the exudate aspirated from all the 3 cages was significantly higher at 7 days than in the reported normal rabbit serum of New Zealand white rabbit but equal to that of our rabbit colony. The albumin concentration was lower in the initial period but increased at 21 days post implantation period in all the cages. Concentration of α1, α2 and γ-globulin also decreased in all cages at 21 days. Neutrophils were predominant in all the exudates aspirated from polyurethane, polyethylene and empty control cages during whole implantation period. This is attributed to the profound effect of the cages on the surrounding vasculature. Macrophage was found to be seen during acute phase of inflammation due to the migration of macrophage along with neutrophil towards the inflammatory lesion. The percentage of neutrophils showed a faster decline in the cage containing polyethylene at 21 days. The extra cellular alkaline phosphatase activity, though higher in exudate from cages containing polyurethane at 14 days post implantation, was same in all 3 cages at 21 days. Leucine amino peptidase activity was found to be decreased at 21 days of post implantation time though the empty control cage exhibited an increase at 14 days post implantation. The inflammatory response at 21 days was similar in polyurethane and the control polyethylene.

Serum protein electrophoresis in spontaneous canine hyperadrenocorticalism

The serum protein concentrations of dogs with confirmed spontaneous hyperadrenocorticalism were determined by agarose gel electrophoresis before and during treatment with mitotane. In untreated animals a significant increase was detected in the mean concentration of total protein and the mean concentration and percentage of alpha-2 globulin. The mean concentration and percentage of albumin and gamma-globulin were significantly decreased. In animals on treatment the mean concentration of total proteins and the mean concentration and percentage of beta-2 globulin were significantly reduced.

HIV-Related Oligoclonal Paraproteinemia

To the Editor.— Kouns et al 1 recently reported the presence of oligoclonal banding in the serum of patients with antibody to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). They state that such a finding is rare in other patients and suggest demonstration of oligoclonal banding as a surrogate test for HIV exposure. Although the association between oligoclonal banding and antibody to HIV is an interesting one, I do not believe that the authors' suggestion of oligoclonal banding as a diagnostic test is valid. Oligoclonal banding in serum is not rare. Small homogeneous bands in the γ-globulin region, often multiple, can be detected by high-resolution agarose gel electrophoresis in the serum of a substantial number of hospitalized patients. 2 The bands occur most commonly (62%) in patients with an increased γ-globulin concentration and with an acute-phase response. The presence of such bands does not correlate with age, sex, or medical diagnosis; it

Immunomodulatory factors in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis and controls

The immunomodulatory effects of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurologic diseases (OND) were determined by measuring their abilities to suppress alloantigen-specific and nonspecific (IL-2 mediated) proliferative responses. An alloantigen primed, IL-2-dependent line of human T-cells (PLT) was used as indicator. CSF from both patient groups significantly suppressed alloantigen-specific and nonspecific PLT proliferative response. However, patterns of suppression differed between the two groups. While alloantigen-specific proliferative responses were suppressed similarly by MS and controls, CSF from MS patients had significantly less suppressing effect on nonspecific lymphocyte proliferation than did control CSF. The degree of suppression of alloantigen-stimulated proliferation by MS CSF correlated with the concentrations of γ-globulin and myelin basic protein as well as with the Ig index. Suppression of alloantigen-stimulated proliferation by control CSF correlated only with the concentration of α 1-globulin. Sera from 3 MS patients and 7 OND patients were also tested in our system. Only MS sera significantly suppressed the alloantigen stimulated proliferative responses of the PLT. Neither serum group affected nonspecific (IL-2 mediated) proliferation. Our data suggest that there are immunomodulatory factors present in both MS and control CSF, but MS CSF may be relatively lacking in a factor controlling nonspecific lymphocyte proliferation. Deficiency of this factor(s) may contribute to the increased numbers of activated lymphocytes in MS CSF.

Twenty-four hour changes in lysozyme levels, total plasma protein concentration, γ-globulin concentration, white blood cell count and numbers of lymphocytes and granulocytes in the peripheral blood of chinchillas Chinchilla laniger M. and rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus L

1. 1. Twenty-four hour changes in lysozyme level, total plasma protein concentration, γ-globulin concentration, leucocyte number and different forms of leucocyte in the peripheral blood of male chinchillas and rabbits were investigated. 2. 2. All investigated parameters in both species showed statistically significant 24-hr changes, but only total plasma protein concentration in rabbits and γ-globulin concentration and leucocyte number in chinchillas have a arcadian rhythm character. 3. 3. The cosine curve characteristics for these rhythms are as follows; acrophases 0.45+ 2.18 hr, 10.02 + 4.29 hr, 2.14 +3.20 hr; amplitudes 0.48 + 0.32 g%, 0.34 + 0.41 g%, 1,12 + 0.88 × 10 3/min 3; mesors 6.10 +0.22 g%, 2.23 + 0.21 g%, 8.78 + 0.65 × 10 3/mm 3, respectively.

Compensated cirrhosis: natural history and prognostic factors.

To investigate the natural history of compensated cirrhosis, 293 consecutive patients without previous major complications (ascites, jaundice, encephalopathy or gastrointestinal hemorrhage) were studied in terms of morbidity (probability of developing decompensated cirrhosis during follow-up) and survival. Patients were diagnosed by liver histology between 1968 and 1980. Median follow-up was 63 months. Decompensation of cirrhosis was considered when a patient first developed one of the major complications of the disease. Ten years after diagnosis, the probability of developing decompensated cirrhosis and the survival probability rate were 58 and 47%, respectively. A multivariate survival analysis (Cox's regression model) using clinical, biochemical and histological data obtained at diagnosis disclosed seven factors that predicted prognosis: serum bilirubin; serum gamma-globulin concentration; hepatic stigmata; prothrombin time; sex; age, and alkaline phosphatase. According to the contribution of each one of these factors to the final model, a prognostic index was constructed that allows calculation of the estimated survival probability. The predicting value of this index was validated by a split sample testing technique.

Patterns of changes in proteins in the peritoneal fluid of women during the periovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle

During a laparoscopy that was performed between Day -6 and Day +9 of the cycle as related to the day of the LH peak (Day 0), the peritoneal fluid of 100 healthy female volunteers of proven fertility was collected and analysed. Peritoneal fluid volume and concentrations of total protein, albumin, alpha 1-, alpha 2-, beta- and gamma-globulins, IgA, IgG, IgM, haptoglobulin, acid-alpha 1-glycoprotein, alpha 1-antitrypsin, alpha 2-macroglobulin, C3-, C4- and C-reactive protein were determined. The peritoneal fluid volume and the concentrations of most proteins analysed showed an increase during the post-ovulatory phase of the period investigated. The peritoneal fluid:serum ratio of each individual protein showed a significant inverse correlation with its molecular weight. This confirms the assumption that peritoneal fluid is mainly an exudation product, most probably of ovarian origin.

Leishmania donovani: Cellular and humoral immune responses after primary and challenge infections in squirrel monkeys, Saimiri sciureus

Cellular and humoral immune responses were studied in squirrel monkeys after primary and challenge infection with a Khartoum strain (WR 378) of Leishmania donovani. Each of 7 squirrel monkeys, Saimiri sciureus, was inoculated intravenously with 5 × 10 7 amastigotes/ kg body weight, and one other monkey (control) was inoculated with uninfected hamster spleen homogenate. Five infected monkeys recovered from visceral leishmaniasis and two infected monkeys died. Three of the five squirrel monkeys which recovered from the primary infection demonstrated acquired resistance when challenged with an intravenous inoculation of 1.0 × 10 8 amastigotes of L. donovani/kg of body weight. Each of these same three monkeys, the two remaining monkeys which recovered from the primary infection and an uninfected control monkey, were challenged subsequently with an intradermal injection of 2.2 × 10 7 promastigotes of L. braziliensis panamensis (WR539) and developed cutaneous lesions. The reactivity of peripheral blood leukocytes from infected squirrel monkeys to phytohemagglutinin was depressed 2 to 10 weeks after infection, and the reactivity to concanavalin A was not affected. Data on responses to pokeweed mitogen were inconclusive. Reactivity to leishmanial antigens was detected at 12 weeks after infection, which coincided with a marked decrease or disappearance of parasites in liver imprints. Two of five surviving squirrel monkeys developed weak delayed skin test responses to leishmanin antigens after 23 weeks; the three remaining monkeys were anergic during the primary infection but developed strong delayed skin test responses to leishmanin antigens at 7 weeks after a challenge with L. donovani. All squirrel monkeys inoculated with L. donovani developed a hyperproteinemia, hypergammaglobulinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and a reversal of the albumin/globulin ratio between 4 to 18 weeks after infection. Plasma IgM and IgG levels were increased between 2 to 18 weeks after infection; much of this increase was due to IgG. Class-specific antileishmanial antibodies, with generally low IgM and high IgG titers, reached a maximum after 14 and 16 weeks, respectively. A correlation was observed between concentrations of -γ-globulins and plasma IgM and IgG levels, but not between γ-globulin concentrations and maximum titers of class-specific antileishmanial antibodies. Squirrel monkeys challenged with L. donovani again developed hyperproteinemia, hypergammaglobulinemia, and increased concentrations of plasma IgM and IgG which correlated with high titers of IgG class-specific antileishmanial antibody 4 weeks after reinoculation. Squirrel monkeys subsequently challenged with L. braziliensis panamensis developed persistent cutaneous lesions indicating a lack of resistance to the heterologous challenge.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy/attenuated total reflection studies of protein adsorption in flowing systems: Approaches for bulk correction and compositional analysis of adsorbed and bulk proteins in mixtures

We have been investigating the usefulness of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy coupled with attenuated total reflection (ATR) optics as a method for monitoring blood-surface interactions. These studies have included the determination of the kinetics of the plasma protein adsorption process, the description of the adsorbed film composition on various biopolymers, and interpretation of the structural features of the adsorbed protein layer. This paper describes some of our most recent results of studies with two of the important plasma proteins, albumin and the γ-globulins. Algorithms are presented for the correction of the FT-IR/ATR spectra for the protein in the bulk (nonadsorbed) solution and for the analysis of the composition of the adsorbed protein layer. The real-time kinetics of adsorption of albumin and the γ-globulins from both single-component systems and from mixtures is described. Results of flow experiments with physiological concentrations of albumin and γ-globulins onto a commercial polyurethane, while preliminary and somewhat variable, illustrate the data analysis algorithms and suggest a higher affinity for albumin compared to control germanium surfaces.

Effects of antiepileptic drugs on concentration of serum proteins and immunoglobulins of epileptic patients

Serum of normal volunteers and serum of epileptic patients receiving either a single drug or combined antiepileptic therapy with Phenytoin (Phen); Carbamazepine (Cbz); Primidone (Prim); Phenobarbital (Phb) were examined and showed: 1. 1. No differences with regard to total proteins, albumins and A/G ratio. 2. 2. The α 1-globulin fraction increased to 4.4% with Phen/Cbz ( P < 0.001) and decreased to 1.7% with Phen/Prim = ( P < 0.001). 3. 3. The α 2-globulins corresponded to 7.2% ( P < 0.001) with Phen/Prim and 15.5% ( P < 0.001) with Phen/Phb treatments. 4. 4. β-Globulins decreased to 7.1% ( P < 0.05) when received Phen/Phb treatment. 5. 5. Low concentrations of serum γ-Globulins were found in Phb ( P < 0.001), Prim ( P < 0.001, Phen ( P < 0.001) treated patients. However, with Cbz, Phen/Phb, Phen/Prim this electrophoretic fraction remained within the upper range of normal. 6. 6. IgA of patients treated with Phen showed a mean of 60 mg/dl. Those patients with Phen serum levels below or above 12–20 μg/ml remained normal. Prim and Phb treatment also decreased IgA. 7. 7. IgD was normal in patients treated with Phen/Prim. 8. 8. Alterations of immune humoral responses to all antiepileptic drugs were found.

Decreased serum transferrin concentration in children with the nephrotic syndrome: Effect on lymphocyte proliferation and correlation with serum immunoglobulin levels

Recent evidence suggests that transferrin has immunoregulatory functions. In the nephrotic syndrome, excessive urinary losses can produce hypotransferrinemia. Whether low serum transferrin concentration in children with the nephrotic syndrome is related to their decreased immunoglobulin concentrations and to the decreased in vitro response of lymphocytes to a mitogen was studied. Twenty patients, 2 to 15 years of age, were studied. Fifteen patients had the nephrotic syndrome and 5 had other renal disorders. Of 13 patients with nephrotic syndrome in relapse, serum transferrin and γ-globulin concentrations were decreased in 10 and 11 patients, respectively. Transferrin levels correlated with the concentrations of total protein ( r = 0.87, P < 0.001), albumin ( r = 0.91, P < 0.001), and γ-globulin ( r = 0.78, P < 0.001). Urinary electrophoretic analyses suggested that hypogammaglobulinemia was not explained simply by urinary losses. In order to determine whether decreased serum transferrin concentrations might limit immunoglobulin synthesis, the effect of hypotransferrinemic sera on lymphocyte proliferation in vitro was tested. At low concentrations of serum, tritiated thymidine uptake was directly proportional to the serum transferrin concentration ( r = 0.86, P < 0.001 at 0.02% serum concentration). Addition of transferrin completely restored the ability of patients' sera to support lymphocyte proliferation. These results suggest that hypotransferrinemia might influence in vivo lymphocyte function and immunity in the nephrotic syndrome.

Epilepsy: Current Therapeutics

Serum of normal volunteers and serum of epileptic patients receiving either a single drug or combined antiepileptic therapy with Phenytoin (Phen); Carbamazepine (Cbz); Primidone (Prim); Phenobarbital (Phb) were examined and showed: 1.1. No differences with regard to total proteins, albumins and A/G ratio.2.2. The α1-globulin fraction increased to 4.4% with Phen/Cbz (P < 0.001) and decreased to 1.7% with Phen/Prim = (P < 0.001).3.3. The α2-globulins corresponded to 7.2% (P < 0.001) with Phen/Prim and 15.5% (P < 0.001) with Phen/Phb treatments.4.4. β-Globulins decreased to 7.1% (P < 0.05) when received Phen/Phb treatment.5.5. Low concentrations of serum γ-Globulins were found in Phb (P < 0.001), Prim (P < 0.001, Phen (P < 0.001) treated patients. However, with Cbz, Phen/Phb, Phen/Prim this electrophoretic fraction remained within the upper range of normal.6.6. IgA of patients treated with Phen showed a mean of 60 mg/dl. Those patients with Phen serum levels below or above 12–20 μg/ml remained normal. Prim and Phb treatment also decreased IgA.7.7. IgD was normal in patients treated with Phen/Prim.8.8. Alterations of immune humoral responses to all antiepileptic drugs were found.

Serum γ-globulin concentration in different stages of sexual activity in females of common vole, Microtus arvalis, pall

1. 1. In young and adult females of common vole low γ-globulin levels at the greatest individual variability in the estrous phase were observed. 2. 2. In natural population when the nonactive females were probably not under hormonal pression (northern Poland, late summer) they had significantly higher level of γ-globulins than pregnant, lactating and post partum ones. 3. 3. It is suggested that decreases of γ-globulin concentration may be an important physiological consequences of hormonal events and influence the viability of females in natural population during reproduction period.