Intermediate alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency in atopic allergy.

In a population of over 200 patients with atopic bronchial disease, significantly increased frequencies of the alpha 1-antitrypsin Pi-types of intermediate deficiency (Pi MZ and Pi MS) were found. As far as we are aware of, this report is the first in which strictly objective criteria for patient classification with respect to atopy have been used. A possible biochemical basis for the phenomenon is presented.