[The pathogenetic problems of gastric and duodenal peptic ulcer].

Studies into the content of nonspecific defense factors, secretory and serum immunoglobulins in blood and biological fluids (saliva, gastric juice, duodenal contents) in patients suffering from peptic ulcer have demonstrated significant changes in local and general immunity. Exacerbation of the disease was marked by a decrease of the titer of complement, C3-component of complement, and lysozyme level. At the same time there was an increase of the concentration of secretory immunoglobulins and immunoglobulins in blood serum and external secretions.

[Changes in secretory immunoglobulin A level in the blood serum of patients with peptic ulcer].

Serum levels of secretory IgA were measured in 66 patients with aggravation of peptic ulcer versus 52 healthy subjects. IgA concentrations in the patients were found elevated, the rise being dependent on the ulcer site, standing and severity of course. Treatment-induced decline of the ulcer exacerbation was accompanied by a fall in IgA levels.

[Functional state of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-gonadal system in patients with duodenal ulcer].

The paper considers common phase-specific trends in hypothalamic-hypophyseal-gonadal function observed in duodenal ulcer. Progesterone and estradiol levels as well as testosterone/estradiol relationship correlated with frequency of duodenal ulcer recurrences.

[General and local humoral immunity in patients with peptic ulcer].

Systemic and local humoral immunity and nonspecific defense factors were investigated in 88 patients with duodenal peptic ulcers and 18 patients with gastric ulcers. In acute conditions, nonspecific defence was depressed and blood IgG level was increased in peptic ulcer patients. An increase in complement titre, C3 and lysozyme, and a decrease in IgG were recorded after treatment, although normal levels were never attained.