Superoxide anion release by peripheral polymorphonuclear leukocytes in welders.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate peripheral blood neutrophil [polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN)] function in a group of 23 welders compared with that in an age- and smoking habit-matched non-exposed control group.


METHODS
Stimulated release of superoxide anions from PMN isolated from peripheral blood of welders and of a matched group was carried out.


RESULTS
The stimulated release of superoxide anions in PMNs from welders was significantly lower (P = 0.021) than that of a control group. Smokers and older workers had a lower function of PMNs than non-smokers and younger workers.


CONCLUSIONS
PMN function of welders is lower than that of controls. This effect might indicate reduced immunological defences in oxidant-exposed individuals. It is possible that PMN function might serve as a biological marker of exposure in the periodic health surveillance of welders.
Aloufy
A
A
Israel Poison Information Center, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.
Lerman
Y
Y
Tamir
A
A
Hoffer
E
E
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008669:Metallurgy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000378:metabolism*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D013481:Superoxides / Q000378:metabolism*
D013481:Superoxides