The levels of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM) in the four seasons in uranium miners

A group of 104 miners working for a long time in a uranium mine was examined for the blood serum immunoglobulin IgG, IgA, and IgM contents. Significant seasonal variations in the values of all three Ig were shown. Peak IgG values were reached in summer, those of IgA in winter, and those of IgM in spring. The largest drops in IgG values were reached in spring, those of IgA in summer, and those of IgM in autumn. A frequency distribution analysis suggested the possibility that the seasonal swing towards the low level limits of the Ig's is due to a decrease in the values, this in part of the group under investigation. (author)