Abnormal increase in CD8(low) T lymphocyte in patients with occupational chronic lead poisoning / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the changes in CD8(low) T lymphocyte subsets in patients with occupational chronic lead poisoning.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Flow cytometric analysis was used to count the numbers of CD8+ cells. 23 patients with occupational chronic lead poisoning and 20 controls were examined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with control group (8.21% ± 3.02%), the CD8(low) T lymphocyte (12.98% ± 5.62%) were significantly increased in patients with occupational chronic lead poisoning.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Although the ratio of CD+ T lymphocyte is normal, the CD8 level is significantly decreased. The increase of CD8(low) T lymphocyte may be an important phenomenon of immuno-injury induced by lead. CD8(low) T lymphocyte could be an new direction for research of lead immuno-toxicity.</p>