Lindane-induced immunological alterations in human poisoning cases.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of immunological alterations in the blood of human lindane poisoning cases. DESIGN AND METHODS: Serum IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE, IL-2, IL-4, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma levels were measured using immunoassay in 20 human cases of lindane poisoning. The presence of lindane in blood was confirmed by HPLC. RESULTS: Serum IL-2, IL-4, and TNF-alpha levels were significantly raised with decrease in IFN-gamma levels in the lindane-exposed cases. Immunoglobulin levels were not altered. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that lindane exposure at chronically high levels affects cytokine levels in humans and indicates the severity of immunotoxicity.