[Immunological changes in the exacerbated form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Abstract

Ninety four subjects were examined, 42 of them with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 52--healthy. The following indices followed up: immunoglobulins G, A, M, fraction of the complement--C3 and C4, alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2MG), alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1 AT). The following methods were applied: radial immunodiffusion according to Manccini et al and counter-electrophoresis on cellulose-acetate. Antisera and standards of the firm "Behring"--FRG were used. The data obtained are compared with those from the group the healthy subjects. Changes were established, manifested in increased level of immunoglobulin (IgG) and considerable reduction in the values of alpha 1AT, in the patient, with exacerbated form of COPD. No substantial deviations in IgA, complement fractions and alpha 2MG were established.