Secretory IgA 1. s been shown to be a local immune system which has antibacterial activi- ties as well as antiviral neutralizing capabilities. During the one-year period, from August 1983 to July 1984, the response of the local secretory immunoglobulin system to tumor antigens was studied in 65 patients suspected of gastric malignancy at Chonnam National Univercity Hospital. Gastric aspirates were obtained by fiberoptic endoscope, secretory IgA titers measured on radial immunodiffusion and pH of the gastric aspirates measured by pH meter. Patients with malignant neopasm of the stomach were divided into Type I and Yype II lesions, based on the extent and stage of the disease. Secretory IgA titers were evevated in all patients with Type I malignant tumor confirmed by histologic examination; mean 35.9mg/dl (SD +- 25mg/dl). Patients with type II malignant tumors had significantly lower IgA titers; mean 6.5mg/dl (SD +- 4.3mg/dl) and 7.9 mg/dl (SD +- 6.1 mg/dl). The difference between Type I malignancies and the other three groups was significant (p<0.01). Serum IgA, IgG and IgM titers were found to be normal range in all patients. There was no correlation between the pH of the gastric secretions and the IgA levels obtained in our study. Evaluation of the local immunoglobulin titers may be of value when used in conjunction with other diagnostic modalities in determining the nature of gastrointestinal lesions.
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