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Plasma Viscosity in Mental Deficiency and Down's Syndrome

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

R. D. Eastham
Affiliation:
Frenchay/Cossham Group of Hospitals, Bristol
J. Jancar
Affiliation:
Stoke Park and Hortham-Brentry Hospital Groups, Bristol
Ethel H. L. Duncan
Affiliation:
Department of Public Health, University of Bristol

Extract

Increase in serum gamma globulin concentration with reciprocal reduction in serum albumin concentration is commonly found in patients suffering from Down's syndrome (mongolism) (Carver et al., 1959; Nelson, 1961; Pritham et al., 1963). It is possible that gamma globulin of relatively less effective composition than normal is produced, and that hospitalized living increases production of this faulty protein (Pritham et al., 1963). On the other hand, Polani (1962) suggested that in Down's syndrome there is either exaggerated or diminished response to drugs and hormones, and the raised gamma globulin levels could result from an excessive production of normal gamma globulin, possibly in response to infection.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1965 

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References

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