Tolyl-specific IgE antibodies in workders with hypersensitivity to toluene diisocyanate.

Incorporation of a p-tolyl (mono) isocyanate-human serum albumin (TMI-HSA) antigen conjugate into a solid phase radioimmunoassay permitted detection of tolyl-specific IgE antibodies in 3 of 4 workers with clinical hypersensitivity to toluene diisocyanate (TDI). By comparison 19 TDI-exposed, non-sensitized workers had antibody titers similar to those found in normal adults. High titers of tolyl-specific IgE antibodies were not correlated with high levels of total serum IgE. Use of the monofunctional isocyanate in place of TDI in antigen preparation prevented cross-linking of antigen protein, an effect usually associated with TDI, and also assured that tolyl groups were sterically exposed. TMI-HSA antigens may prove beneficial in serological or cutaneous evaluation of TDI-sensitized workers.