RESUMO
Phagocytosis and intracellular killing of Candida albicans and Candida pseudotropicalis by neutrophils as well as phagocytic splenic function from lead-exposed workers were studied. Two species of Candida were used since in individuals with myeloperoxidase deficiency neutrophils are unable to kill C. albicans, whereas C. pseudotropicalis can be effectively lysed. Phagocytosis with both antigens and phagocytic splenic function were normal in all the workers studied. However, lytic activity towards C. albicans, but not C. pseudotropicalis was impaired. This defect was observed in lead-exposed workers with blood lead levels and urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA-U) concentrations in the "safe" (below 60 micrograms/dl and 6 mg/l, respectively) and toxic ranges. An impaired ability to kill C. albicans suggests that lead exposure may lead to a myeloperoxidase deficiency. With the exception of blood lead levels and ALA-U concentrations, there was no correlation between any of the other parameters examined.
Assuntos
Intoxicação por Chumbo/imunologia , Neutrófilos/efeitos dos fármacos , Exposição Ocupacional , Fagocitose , Baço/efeitos dos fármacos , Adolescente , Adulto , Candida , Humanos , Chumbo/efeitos adversos , Intoxicação por Chumbo/fisiopatologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Exposição Ocupacional/efeitos adversos , Fagocitose/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
The immunological status of lead acid battery workers with blood lead levels and urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA-U) concentrations ranging from safe to toxic levels has been examined and compared with those of non-exposed, age and sex matched controls. No differences in the serum concentrations of IgG, IgA and IgM between the populations were observed and there existed no correlation between blood lead level or ALA-U concentrations and serum immunoglobulin levels. In addition assessment was made of the capacity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to respond to the mitogen phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), a correlate of T cell function. As before, there was no difference between exposed and control populations and no correlation between reactivity and blood lead concentration. Our data suggest that chronic exposure to lead fail to compromise lymphocyte function in man.
