[Evaluation of complement component C4 concentration and immunoglobulins IgA, IgG, and IgM in serum of patients with primary essential hypertension].

The aim of the study was to determine serum concentration of complement component C4 and IgA, IgG, IgM immunoglobulins in hypertensive patients and healthy controls as well as to assess the interrelationships regarding some immunological and clinical data in the study group. The study group consisted of 81 hypertensive patients (with secondary forms of hypertension excluded), 44 females and 37 males (mean age 51.2 +/- 14.5 years). The control group comprised 34 healthy volunteers, 19 females and 15 males (mean age 47.5 +/- 15.3 years). C4, IgA, IgG, IgM serum concentrations were evaluated with turbidymetry. C4 serum concentration was significantly higher in hypertensive patients when compared to the controls. No significant differences in IgA, IgG, IgM serum concentrations existed between the groups. The duration of hypertension correlated positively with C4 serum concentration. Elevated C4 serum concentration may be one of the markers of immunological disturbances existing in hypertensive patients. IgA, IgG, IgM immunoglobulins do not seem to be directly associated with essential hypertension.