IgG and IgA in saliva and blood serum in relation to smoking and respiratory symptoms.

The main purpose of the paper was to find a possible relationship between smoking and immunological disorders, which are to be the common ground for chronic respiratory diseases. Measurements of IgG and IgA in saliva and blood serum were performed in 87 persons during medical check-up before admission to work in a sulphur mine. Persons with cough and/or sputum production usually in the morning or during the day or at night were defined as positive symptoms. From the study, different immunoglobulin patterns have emerged in saliva and serum in relation to smoking. IgG content in saliva of smokers was lower and IgA higher than in non-smokers. Levels of both immunoglobulins in serum were lower among smokers. In persons with respiratory symptoms IgG content in saliva was markedly lower especially in smokers.