IMMUNE PROTEINS AND OTHER BIOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF PERIPHERAL LYMPH IN PATIENTS WITH MALIGNANCY AND POSTIRRADIATION LYMPHEDEMA

Abstract

Concentration of immunoglobulins and complement

proteins were studied in a group of 33 patients with

localized tumors and lymphoproliferative disorders.

Generally, low levels have been found, in many cases

below the lowest limit of the control group. The reductions

in concentration were more pronounced

in patients with lympho-proliferative disorders than

with solid tumors. The most reduced were IgM, Clg

and total complement hemolytic activity. In a group

of 8 patients with lymphedema of lower extremity

complicating therapy for uterine cancer an increase

of IgM and lgA and decrease in hemolytic activity

were found. This indicates to the existence of a

chronic inflammatory process, typical for tissues

deprived lymphatic outflow.