Complement and immunoglobulin levels in Ilorin Nigeria, and environ

Abstract

The levels of complement components C3 and C4 were determined in EDTA (ethylcne-diaminetetra-acetic acid) plasma of 106 apparently healthy people aged 11-50 years, and in 23 paired maternal and cord plasma in Ilorin. The immunoglobulins G,A and M concentrations of these paired samples were also assayed. Furthermore, scrum IgG, IgA and IgM levels were quantitated in 501 apparently healthy residents of Ilorin (1-84 years old, n-313) and its suburban community, Shao (11-80 years old, n-188). Generally, there were no significant sex-related differences in C3 and C4 values, but these values increased steadily with age. C3 and C4 levels in cord plasma were high, representing 73% and 88% of adult levels respectively. Maternal levels of these complement components were higher (P < 0.02) than values obtained in non-pregnant females of comparable age. Immunoglobulin G values obtained for maternal and cord samples compare well with figures reported previously from other centres in Nigeria. Only 1 of 23 IgA and 2 of 23 IgM samples showed detectable values of these immunoglobulins in cord blood.