[Postoperative changes in immunoglobulin-concentrations after splenectomy. A prospective survey series (author's transl)].

The three immunoglobulin classes A, G and M were quantitatively determined through immune diffusion preoperatively as well as in the first 60 days in 31 patients after splenectomy and the results were statistically evaluated. In comparison with the initial preoperative values, a temporary, significant elevation of the serum concentration of the IgA and IgG was found, whereby the IgA concentration on the 60th postoperative day corresponded already to the preoperative initial values, whilst the IgG were at this time still significantly elevated. There was a beginning significant decrease in serum concentration of the IgM between the 15th and 20th postoperative day, which was very pronounced on the 60th day. This determination coincides with the half-life time of the IgM and can be regarded as an indication for a localisation of the IgM producing cells in the spleen.