Blast lymphocyte transformation (LTT), rosette (E-RFC) and leukocyte migration inhibition (MIF) tests in persons exposed to the action of lead during work. Report II.

80 persons from a city environment, aged 22 to 62, were examined (Cfr. Report I). Spontaneous blast T lymphocyte transformation was found to depend on lead concentration in the blood; the transformation was intensified as Pb 2+ ion concentration in the lymphocyte culture increased within the range of 10(-5) mg/ml. The process was of positive correlation and was statistically significant. PHA-induced blast lymphocyte transformation was found inversely proportional to serum Pb2+ ion concentration, the negative correlation of the two parameters was worked out. Thus, it was proved that mitogenic effects of the action of lead and PHA were of no additive nature, the actions of the two agents opposed each other, probably a competition for the place of specific binding to the cell membrane receptors took place. The process may be helpful in accounting for immunity changes in bodies exposed to the action of lead.