Values for the κ/λ light chain ratio in immunoglobulins G, A and M and the total κ/λ ratio, measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, were evaluated in serum samples from different age groups (114 children, aged from 1 month to 15 years, and 20 adults).
The IgG κ/λ ratio decreased in the first 6 months and subsequently increased slowly during childhood towards the adult value of 2·0. The IgM κ/λ ratio increased at a greater rate than IgG κ/λ ratio in the first years of life and thereafter rose slightly throughout childhood to reach an adult value of 1·7. A decreasing IgA κ/λ ratio was found from 1 month of age onwards to an adult value of 1·1. The pattern of total κ/λ ratio was similar to the IgG κ/λ ratio with an adult value of 2·0.
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