Serum immunoglobulin, complement C3, and salivary IgA levels in lead workers

Journal Article · Wed Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · Environ. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0013-9351(82)90036-6· OSTI ID:5144513

Ewers, U ^[1]; Stiller-Winkler, R; Idel, H

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1. Univ. Dusseldorf, Germany

Sera of 72 lead workers and of 53 reference subjects were examined for levels of immunoglobulins IgM, IgG, and IgA, and complement C3 by radial immunodiffusion. Salivary IgA levels were determined in 33 lead workers and 40 reference subjects. On the average the lead workers had lower serum complement C3 and immunoglobulin levels, as well as lower salivary IgA levels, than the reference subjects. A significant negative correlation was found between blood lead concentrations (PbB) and the serum levels of complement C3 and IgG in the group of lead workers, as well as in the total population examined. However, a significant positive correlation was observed between PbB and serum IgA in the group of lead workers. The results obtained in this study are discussed in relation to numerous reports in the literature showing that lead exerts adverse effects on the immune system in animals.

• OSTI ID: 5144513
• Journal Information: Environ. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Res.; (United States) Vol. 29:2; ISSN ENVRA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

552000 -- Public Health
560306* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Man-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
BODY FLUIDS
COMPLEMENT
GLOBULINS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
IMMUNITY
IMMUNOGLOBULINS
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
LEAD COMPOUNDS
MATERIALS
MEDICINE
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PERSONNEL
PROTEINS
SALIVA