Sex modifies IgE antibody response.

In the present work the IgE response between male and female mice was compared. Normal and castrated RF mice of both sexes were immunized with 100 micrograms OA in 20 mg aluminum hydroxide gel. Results show that IgE response is lower in male than in female mice when assessed by the PCA test. In spite of this, a similar level of IgE was determined by ELISA. Such sex-related differences were not present in castrated mice. A sex-dependent PCA suppressor factor controlling IgE functional expression during the IgE response is suggested. IgM and/or IgG production was not modified.