title: Effect of lead exposure on lymphocyte subsets and activation markers.
abstract: Lead is a common environmental pollutant which has adverse effects on the immune system. We studied frequency of peripheral blood populations of CD4, CD8, and CD56 expressing cells and presence of activation marker (CD25) and CD45 isoforms by flow cytometry. Among 59 lead-exposed individuals (26 three-wheeler drivers, 33 battery workers) and 21 healthy controls, blood lead levels were 6.7 +/- 4.5 microg/dL, 132 +/- 103 microg/dL, and 4.5 +/- 2.0 microg/dL, respectively. The percentage of CD4(+) cells was significantly lower (P < 0.001) and of CD45RA(+) cells higher (P < 0.05) in both lead-exposed groups as compared to controls. There was a significant negative correlation between the CD4(+) cell percentage and blood lead levels and length of exposure. Our data highlight the adverse effect of lead on immune cells which may have serious consequences for those with chronic exposure to lead.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India.
authors.forename: K P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Mishra
authors.forename: Reena
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rani
authors.forename: V S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Yadav
authors.forename: Sita
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Naik
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D019002:CD56 Antigen / Q000276:immunology; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000097:blood / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D053645:Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / Q000276:immunology; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D007854:Lead / Q000097:blood / Q000633:toxicity*; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019002:CD56 Antigen; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; C508017:IL2RA protein, human; D053645:Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit; D007854:Lead; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens; C516769:PTPRC protein, human