Occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis after exposure to diphenylmethane diisocyanate.
A foundry worker developed dyspnea and a restrictive breathing defect after being exposed to diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MD) at work. His symptoms and lung function impairment subsided a few weeks after he left work. Specific inhalation challenges with the offending agent induced general malaise together with a significant increase in body temperature and leukocyte count as well as a significant decrease in forced vital capacity and transfer factor. Total antibody activity to a MDI human serum albumin (MDI-HSA) conjugate was detected by ammonium sulfate precipitation. Specific IgG antibodies were demonstrated by the enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent (ELISA) technique. Thus, it was found that MDI exposure can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis and induce the production of specific antibodies.
D000328:Adult; D000542:Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000276:immunology; D003485:Cyanates; D006801:Humans; D017953:Isocyanates; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000276:immunology; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds
D003485:Cyanates; D017953:Isocyanates; C005969:4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds