[Hematotoxic and immunotoxic effects of nitrogen dioxide].

The aim of the paper is to review hematological and immunological effects of experimental and occupational exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The NO2 exposure diminishes erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration and produces increased nitrosyl hemoglobin (NOHb) and methemoglobin (MetHb) concentrations in peripheral blood. The gas affects the activity of the membrane and glycolytic enzymes in erythrocytes. Experimental inhalation of NO2 results in an increased susceptibility to viral or bacterial infections. Moreover, the gas impairs phagocytic and bacteriocidal functions of alveolar macrophages. NO2 also causes lymphoid tissue damage reducing the thymus and spleen weight; it also diminishes specific antibody production and lymphocyte transformation in in vitro cultures with plant mitogens.