Selective Forces and the Maintenance of Immunoglobulin Polymorphisms

Document Type

Article

Authors

David N. Propert, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Beverley J. Balkau, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Abstract

In an attempt to identify the role of selective pressures in the maintenance of immunoglobulin polymorphisms, the phenotypes identified by the immunoglobulin allotypes Glm(l), Glm(2), Glm(3), G3m(5) and Km(l) have been determined in a large sample of adult Caucasians resident in Melbourne, Australia. While no evidence for age or sex-related differences was found, non-random distribution of Gm and Km phenotypes suggests the existence of selective forces favoring Gm heterozygotes who are Km (1 + ) and Gm homozygotes who are Km(l —).

Recommended Citation

Propert, David N. and Balkau, Beverley J. (1986) "Selective Forces and the Maintenance of Immunoglobulin Polymorphisms," Human Biology: Vol. 58: Iss. 1, Article 8.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol58/iss1/8