Immunoglobulin Concentrations in Berylliosis1

Abstract

The relative concentrations of the constituent immunoglobulins in the serum of subjects with berylliosis were determined. Included in the group were subjects with resolved acute berylliosis, patients with the chronic form of the disease, and a few subjects who had had beryllium dermatitis. Most subjects who had had either the cutaneous or the chronic pulmonary forms of the disease manifested hypergammaglobulinemia and an increased concentration of IgG. This abnormality was less frequent in subjects with resolved acute berylliosis. A significantly increased concentration of IgG was found in several workers who had had long exposure to either the metal or its compounds but who had never had any evidence of beryllium toxicity.