Long-term monitoring of the immune reactivity of stainless steel welders

The immune reactivity of stainless steel welders (n = 22-53) was evaluated in a three year's study. The results (phagocytic activity, cellular and humoral immunity) were statistically compared with those in control group of non-exposed persons from the same plant (n = 14-23) and with long-term...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inCentral European journal of public health Vol. 6; no. 1; p. 51
Main Authors Hanovcová, I, Chýlková, V, Tejral, J, Andrýs, C, Procházková, J, Turková, M, Srb, V, Ettlerová, E, Kokes, J
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Czech Republic 01.02.1998
Subjects
Adult
Age Factors
Chromium - urine
Czech Republic - epidemiology
Female
Humans
Immune System - immunology
Immune System - injuries
Male
Middle Aged
Nickel - urine
Occupational Diseases - chemically induced
Occupational Exposure - adverse effects
Smoking - adverse effects
Steel - adverse effects
Welding
Czech Republic
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:The immune reactivity of stainless steel welders (n = 22-53) was evaluated in a three year's study. The results (phagocytic activity, cellular and humoral immunity) were statistically compared with those in control group of non-exposed persons from the same plant (n = 14-23) and with long-term laboratory reference values (LRV) (n = 14-311). In welders several changes were found when compared to the LRV: in humoral response there were higher prealbumin, lysozyme, circulating immune complexes and lower IgG. In phagocytic tests there were lower ingestion, bactericidal activity and higher metabolic activity of peripheral mononuclear leucocytes. In cellular immunity the marked lymphocytosis, higher counts of T-lymphocytes, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes were noticed. After lowering the concentrations of metals in the working area there were trends to normal values in some parameters [relative numbers of T-lymphocytes, relative number of CD4+ lymphocytes, phagocytic activity, metabolic activity of leucocytes (INT index), IgA, complement C3, transferrin]. The extent and the length of the exposure to welding fumes, smoking and changed conditions at working place were followed as well.
ISSN:1210-7778