[Serum polypeptides in peptic ulcer patients].

Fifty-four healthy subjects and 56 peptic ulcer patients were examined for blood serum polypeptides, their toxicity and antigenicity. It was discovered that in the peptic ulcer patients, the blood polypeptide content was 1.5-3-fold higher than in healthy subjects. The increased content of polypeptides in the patients was caused by a high supply of polypeptides from the gastrointestinal tract. Polypeptides isolated from the patients' blood had toxic and antigenic properties. Antibodies against polypeptides were detected in 82% of the peptic ulcer patients and in 10% of the healthy persons. A direct correlation was found between the titer of antibodies against polypeptides and IgG content. It is suggested that polypeptides are involved in the development of peptic ulcer.