Serum and CSF immunoglobulins G, A and M in 37 intracranial tumors.

OBJECTIVE To estimate different proteins and immunoglobulins as humoral immune response in patients with intracranial tumours. METHODS Cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis for estimation of different proteins and radialimmunodiffusion (RID) for measurement of serum and CSF immunoglobulins were used. RESULTS Thirty seven patients with different types of tumours showed increase in serum alpha II globulin, significant decrease of IgG, in patients when compared with controls, significant decrease of IgG in malignant tumours compared with benign tumours. CSF albumin, gamma globulin, immunoglobulins G,A,and M were increased. CONCLUSION Alpha II globulin, steroid therapy and active neoplasia may be responsible for decreased serum immunoglobulins, while raised gamma globulin and immunoglobulins with intact BBB indicates capability of CNS to produce immunoglobulins.