Effects of lead on immune parameters in occupationally exposed workers.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To assess the immune competence of workers occupationally exposed to lead, several subsets of peripheral lymphocytes, i.e., T, TCD4(+), TCD8(+), B, NK cells, serum immunoglobulin and complement protein concentrations, chemotaxis, and intracellular killing activity of neutrophils of 25 male storage battery workers have been analyzed and compared to 25 healthy males with no history of lead exposure. RESULTS: The results of this study which indicated that industrial exposure to lead resulting in group mean blood lead concentrations of 75 +/- 18 microg/dl are associated with a significant depression of T helper lymphocytes, Ig G, Ig M and C3, C4 complement levels, chemotaxis, and random migration of neutrophils. No correlation was found between the duration of exposure and the altered immune parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The immune system can be a target for lead toxicity and elimination of lead hazard in working places is necessary.