Human IgE, IgG4 and resistance to reinfection with Schistosoma haematobium

Article Abstract:

It is possible that immunoglobulin E (IgE), a class of antibody usually associated with allergy, and produced after infection by certain parasites, plays an active role in fighting the parasite. To evaluate this, studies were performed on people living in The Gambia, most of whom became infected, then reinfected, by the parasite Schistosoma haematobium, the agent that causes schistosomiasis. Blood samples were evaluated for their content of IgE and IgG4 (a member of the most abundant antibody class) in subjects of different ages after infection and reinfection. Results showed that reinfection was far more likely for people with the lowest levels of IgE, and with the highest levels of IgG4. The highest IgG4 levels were found in children between the ages of 10 and 14. The gradual onset of immunity to infection may thus partly depend on the developing IgE levels; since IgGs block IgE-mediated reactions, high IgG4 levels in children would work against such protection. A discussion is presented of the effects on immunity exerted by these antibodies. IgE may reduce the concentration of parasites by interacting with other immune system cells (macrophages and platelets) that have been shown to kill the schistosome under laboratory conditions. IgE production by blood cells depends upon a lymphokine, IL-4 (a factor secreted by another type of white blood cell); if the cells that manufacture IL-4 are destroyed by the infection, IgE levels would fall. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Physiological aspects, Schistosomiasis, Immunoglobulin E, Gambia

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Crude Warning

Article Abstract:

There has been unfavorable Congressional response to recent projected oil company mergers. Some senators have gone so far as to suggest legislation to prevent them. After arguments were presented to show that the merger of Gulf Oil Corporation and Socal combined would represent only seven per cent of domestic oil production, that merger at least looks more likely. The price of oil has risen and firmed although the war in the Middle East puts long- range prices in doubt.

Prices and rates, Petroleum

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Atomic guinea pigs

Article Abstract:

Thousands of military personnel, and civilians including children and pregnant women, were victims of US radiation experiments from 1944-1974. With the opening of files in 1993, it was found that people called "crazies" because of their claims were victims. The stories of five are presented.

Social aspects, Personal narratives, Cases, Social policy, Human experimentation in medicine, Human medical experimentation, Radiation victims, O'Leary, Hazel R., Nuremberg Code, 1947

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