Serum concentrations of immunoglobulins and free light chains before and after vascular events in essential hypertension.

Serum concentrations of immunoglobulins (Ig) and free light chains (LC) of Ig have been determined at regular intervals during five years in patients with essential hypertension and correlated to development of vascular complications. In 6 cardiac event patients serum IgG increased by 11.9% (p<0.05) and LC by 19.8% (p<0.05). IgG levels correlated positively with LC levels (r= 0.59, p<0.001) and changes in IgG correlated positively with changes in LC (r=0.46, p<0.01). The post-event increments in IgG persisted up to 21 months. No significant changes in serum concentrations of Ig A, IgM, albumin and creatinine were found. In 10 cerebral event patients and in matched groups of 15 uncomplicated hypertensive patients, no significant changes in the above parameters could be demonstrated. It is concluded that heart tissue damage in essential hypertension induces a long-lasting stimulation of B-lymphocytes, and it is suggested that the high Ig levels found in as yet uncomplicated hypertensive patients may reflect an ongoing damage of the vascular bed.