[Classes of immunoglobulins responsible for serum antithymocyte activity in healthy subjects and mental pathology].

The antilymphocytic activity of the serum was examined in schizophrenic patients and in mentally healthy donors using the method of fluorescent antibodies. It was found that the antithymocytic activity of both the schizophreniacs and the healthy subjects was due to immunoglobulins G and M. The number of thymocytes showing fluorescence under the action of IgG was found to be approximately the same in both groups of the persons examined. When use was made of fluorescein-labelled IgM the number of fluorescent thymocytes was found to be three times greater in the patients than in the healthy subjects. It is suggested that the differences revealed may be associated with an increased avidity of the IgM antibodies, or with disturbances of the synthesis of immunoglobulins in the patients.