[Occupational exposure to mercury vapors stimulates T lymphocytes].

The number of lymphocytes, lymphocytes T, lymphocytes T helper and suppressor were determined in 55 males exposed to mercury vapours and in 36 males of the control group, using monoclonal antibody and indirect immunofluorescence assay. The shift time weighted average was 0.0028 mg x m-3. Mean mercury concentration was 54 +/- 44 micrograms x l-1 in urine of the study group and 5 +/- 7 micrograms x l-1 in blood. Stimulation of lymphocytes, manifested by an increased number of lymphocytes T helper in the peripheral blood, was observed in men exposed to mercury. The results suggest that autoimmunological reactions may occur in the exposed men.