The behaviour of T-cell subpopulations in the blood of workers exposed to mercury.

In 55 men with a history of exposure to mercury vapours, and 36 men without such exposure, the count of T-cells, helper T-cells, suppressor T-cells and NK-cells in peripheral blood was determined using monoclonal antibodies. The concentration of mercury in the urine of the exposed individuals was x = 54, S.D. = 45 micrograms xl-1, and in blood x = 4.7, S.D. = 7.2 micrograms xl-1. Occupational exposure to mercury induced changes in T-cell subpopulations in the peripheral blood, but was without effect on the number of NK-cells.