title: Lymphocytes, T and NK cells, in men occupationally exposed to mercury vapours.
abstract: Lymphocytes, T-cells (CD3+), T-helper (CD4+) and T-suppressor (CD8+) as well as NK-cells (CD16+) counts were determined in the peripheral blood of 81 males occupationally exposed to metallic mercury vapours and of 36 non-exposed males using monoclonal antibodies in indirect immunofluorescence tests. Mean weighted mercury concentration in air accounted for 0.0028 mg x m-3. Urine mercury concentrations ranged from 0 to 240 micrograms x 1(-1) and concentrations in the blood varied from 0 to 30 micrograms x 1(-1). Stimulation of T-lymphocytes manifested by an increased number of T-cells, T-helper and T-suppressor was observed. Quantitative change in T-cells night be an immunological index of exposure to mercury vapours as indicated by a positive correlation between the exposure duration and the number of these cells.
authors.affiliation: Regional Hospital Immunological Laboratory, Brzesko, Poland.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Moszczyński
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Słowiński
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rutkowski
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bem
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Jakus-Stoga
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000187:drug effects*; D018655:Lymphocyte Count / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008628:Mercury / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D008628:Mercury