Immune alterations in lead-exposed workers

Peripheral blood lymphocytes, serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM), C3 and C4 complement protein concentrations of 25 male lead-exposed workers from storage-battery plants were examined and compared to 25 healthy male controls. Lead exposure was assessed using blood lead levels measured by atomi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Toxicology (Amsterdam) 1996-05, Vol.109 (2), p.167-172
Main Authors: Ündeg̃er, Ülkü, Başaran, Nurşen, Canpmar, Hande, Kansu, Emin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Biological and medical sciences
Cellular immunity
Chemical and industrial products toxicology. Toxic occupational diseases
Complement System Proteins - analysis
Hemoglobins - analysis
Humans
Humoral immunity
Immune System - drug effects
Immunoglobulins - blood
Lead
Lead - adverse effects
Lead - blood
Leukocyte Count - drug effects
Lymphocyte Subsets - drug effects
Male
Medical sciences
Metals and various inorganic compounds
Middle Aged
Natural killer cells
Occupational Exposure
Toxicology
Zinc - blood
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Summary:Peripheral blood lymphocytes, serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM), C3 and C4 complement protein concentrations of 25 male lead-exposed workers from storage-battery plants were examined and compared to 25 healthy male controls. Lead exposure was assessed using blood lead levels measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels assayed by hematofluorometry. The absolute number and the percentage of functionally different subsets of peripheral blood mononuclear lymphocytes, i.e. T, T-suppressor, B and natural killer cells, were unchanged. However, T-helper lymphocytes were significantly lower in lead-exposed workers compared to healthy controls ( P < 0.05). In addition, lead-exposed workers had a significant reduction in the IgG, IgM and C3, C4 complement levels ( P < 0.05). These results suggest that human chronic exposure to lead may be detrimental to the immune system.
ISSN:0300-483X
1879-3185
DOI:10.1016/0300-483X(96)03333-1