Immune activation and autoantibodies in humans with long-term inhalation exposure to formaldehyde.
Four groups of patients with long-term inhalation exposure to formaldehyde (HCHO) were compared with controls who had short-term periodic exposure to HCHO. The following were determined for all groups: total white cell, lymphocyte, and T cell counts; T helper/suppressor ratios; total Ta1+, IL2+, and B cell counts; antibodies to formaldehyde-human serum albumin (HCHO-HSA) conjugate and autoantibodies. When compared with the controls, the patients had significantly higher antibody titers to HCHO-HSA. In addition, significant increases in Ta1+, IL2+, and B cells and autoantibodies were observed. Immune activation, autoantibodies, and anti-HCHO-HSA antibodies are associated with long-term formaldehyde inhalation.
Thrasher & Associates, Northridge, California.
J D
JD
Thrasher
A
A
Broughton
R
R
Madison
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000032:analysis; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D005557:Formaldehyde / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007121:Immunocompetence / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D007132:Immunoglobulin Isotypes / Q000032:analysis; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000032:analysis
D000393:Air Pollutants; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D001323:Autoantibodies; D007132:Immunoglobulin Isotypes; D005557:Formaldehyde