Immunoregulatory properties of some heavy metals in physiology and pathology conditions. Part II.

The author carried out literature review concerning the effect of toxic metals as lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, nickel, cobalt, tin and beryllium on immunological system of the body. Immunomodifying role of those metals concerned both the antigen preformation phase and multiplication of competent cells, and effector phase of lymphokins or antibody production. The most known so far is the effect of metal ions on the biological affinity, activity and reproduction of specific lymphocyte membrane receptors in the presence of mitogens. This disturbs the function of individuals lines and populations of the lymphoid system cells and their efficient cooperation, in consequence leading to the suppression of the full immunological response.