ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: 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.
