title: Immunological consequences of exposure to pentachlorophenol.
abstract: Evaluation of lymphocyte phenotype frequencies, functional responses, serum immunoglobulin levels, and autoantibodies was completed for 38 individuals (i.e., 10 families) who were exposed to pentachlorophenol (PCP) in manufacturer-treated log houses. Comparison of subjects with controls revealed that the exposed individuals had activated T-cells, autoimmunity, functional immunosuppression, and B-cell dysregulation. Autoimmunity was evidenced by elevation of TA1 phenotype frequencies and a 21% incidence of anti-smooth muscle antibody. Functional immunosuppression was evidenced by the significantly reduced responses to all mitogens tested and to allogeneic lymphocytes in the mixed lymphocyte culture test. There was a significant elevation of CD10, and an 18% increase or decrease in serum immunoglobulins was noted. A striking anomaly was the enhanced natural killer activity found in exposed females but not in males.
authors.affiliation: Immunotransplant Laboratory, Memorial Medical Center, Springfield, Illinois.
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: McConnachie
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Zahalsky
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000187:drug effects*; D002648:Child; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008934:Mitogens / Q000276:immunology; D010416:Pentachlorophenol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012737:Sex Factors
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D008934:Mitogens; D010416:Pentachlorophenol