[Changes of IgA, IgG and IgM immunoglobulins and of 10 other plasma proteins in patients with duodenal ulcer treated with ranitidine].

In 25 patients with duodenal ulcer, before treatment and after three weeks, and another 30 days of treatment with ranitidine, plasma concentrations were determined of IgA, IgG, IgM immunoglobulins, and of 10 other proteins. In comparison to the control group of 20 persons, a statistically significant decrease was found in the concentration of alpha 2-M, prealbumins, and IgG, as well as a significant increase of alpha 1-AT, C4 complement component, and a non-significant increase of coeruloplasmin, haptoglobin and IgM. During the treatment a tendency was observed for an increase of IgG and IgM level, as well as a statistically significant decrease of alpha 1-AT, C4, and coeruloplasmin concentration. The treatment exerted no effect on the decreased level of alpha 2-M. It was accepted that the tendency for an increase of IgG and IgM level was due, most probably, to the immunostimulating action of ranitidine, and the changes of concentrations of other parameters induced by the treatment were related to the presence and healing of the ulceration. The observed decrease of alpha 2-M level was probably due to binding of alpha 2-M to pepsinogen whose blood level was increased during gastric ulcer.