[Cytochemical and immunological studies of workers exposed to organic solvents of paints and lacquer. III. Rosette formation and the tuberculin and distreptase skin tests].

Thirty nine workers, aged 24-56, occupationally exposed for 55-122 months to organic solvents, of paints and lacquers containing benzene, toluene and xylene, underwent E rosette test and skin reactions: tuberculinic and the one with distreptase. The findings were: reduction of the number of T lymphocytes in peripheral blood and proper immunological response of cellular type. The authors indicate that it has not been settled whether or not the observed phenomenon results from actual change in the number of T lymphocytes or from inhibiting, or damaging, the surface cellular receptors by organic solvents. The E rosette test may be useful for monitoring the biological effects of exposure to the mentioned substances.