Abstract

Serum levels of albumin, transferrin, α₂-macroglobulin, β₁C/β₁A, IgA, IgG, and IgM have been determined in 73 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and in age- and sex-matched controls. A highly significant fall in albumin was demonstrated, and there were highly significant increases in α₂-macroglobulin and all three immunoglobulin levels. Transferrin and β₁/Cβ₁A levels were unchanged. No significant correlations were found between the titre of antimitochondrial antibody, the duration of symptoms, and any of the serum proteins estimated. A highly significant positive correlation was present between serum albumin and transferrin levels in both patient and control groups.