Effects of chronic exposure to anaesthetic gases on some immune parameters

• Published in: Science of the total environment Vol. 270; no. 1; pp. 149 - 156
• Main Authors: Bargellini, A, Rovesti, S, Barbieri, A, Vivoli, R, Roncaglia, R, Righi, E, Borella, P
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Shannon Elsevier B.V 10.04.2001; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Adult; Anaesthetic gases; Anaesthetists; anesthesia; Anesthesia Department, Hospital; anesthetics; Anesthetics, Inhalation - adverse effects; Biological and medical sciences; Case-Control Studies; CD3 Complex - metabolism; CD4 Antigens - metabolism; Drug toxicity and drugs side effects treatment; Female; Humans; Immune parameters; immune response; Immune System - drug effects; Immune System - radiation effects; isoflurane; Killer Cells, Natural - radiation effects; Low exposure levels; Male; Medical sciences; Miscellaneous (drug allergy, mutagens, teratogens...); nitrous oxide; Occupational Exposure - adverse effects; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; T-Lymphocytes - drug effects; T-Lymphocytes - metabolism; T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer - drug effects; T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer - metabolism; X-Rays - adverse effects; Anaesthetists; Immune parameters; Low exposure levels; Anaesthetic gases; Volatile compound; Human; Immunopathology; Health staff; Toxicity; Occupational exposure; Isoflurane; Gases; Chronic; General anesthetic; Anesthesiologist; Nitrogen protoxide; Lymphocyte; Occupational medicine; Halogen Organic compounds; Immune system
• DOI: 10.1016/S0048-9697(00)00778-6
• ISSN: 0048-9697

A cross-sectional survey was carried out to evaluate the relation between occupational exposure to low levels of anaesthetic gases (nitrous oxide and isoflurane) and immune parameters. Fifty-one anaesthetists were recruited among different Services of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation. The control group consisted of non-exposed physicians, similar for gender, age, and job grade. Total number of lymphocytes, lymphocyte subpopulations and the natural killer (NK) cytotoxic activity were measured. Information on personal and professional characteristics and on short- and long-term exposure was collected. Percentages of T cells (CD3) decreased significantly in anaesthetists compared to controls, whereas numbers of NK cells (CD16 +CD3 −) increased. After correction for confounders, short-term (last 2 weeks) exposure was associated with a decrease in percentages of total T and T helper (CD4) cells. Furthermore, T helper percentages were significantly reduced with increasing individual exposure score evaluated on the basis of working days and levels of anaesthetic gases in operating rooms. A significant X-ray-associated increase of numbers and percentages of NK cells was lastly observed. Despite limited present exposure to anaesthetic gases, a specific derangement in lymphocyte subpopulations, with T lymphocytes more affected than B, has been observed.