Neutrophil function in chemical plant workers employed in the production of dust pesticides

Abstract

In two divisions of a chemical plant producing dust pesticides, employees exposed to dust, containing 28%-65% SiO2, were examined. In the first division (group I, 38 males and 35 females), the average air dust concentration was 5.0 mg/m3, and the active substances were: chlorinated hydrocarbons, captan, carbamates and dodine. In the other division (group II, 26 males and 33 females), the air dust concentration was 4.8-5.2 mg/m3, and the active substances included: carbamates, triazine compounds, cupric oxychloride, captan, lindane, carboxine. Spirographic investigations showed signs of pulmonary emphysema (RV/TLC) in 65.8% males and 60% females of group I and 38.5% males and 40.6% females of group II. In leucocyte concentrate smears, the cytochemical reactions to beta-glucuronidase, acid phosphatase and myeloperoxidase, as well as the nitroblue tetrazolinum (NBT)-dye reduction of neutrophils were performed. The random migration and chemotaxis of isolated neutrophils, washed or incubated in 10% autologous serum, their phagocytic activity and tube adherence test were also investigated. Compared to the controls, the reaction to beta-glucuronidase as well as the NBT reduction were increased, whereas the acid phosphatase and myeloperoxidase reactions were lowered. Impairment of neutrophil chemotaxis stimulated with zymozan-activated serum was observed in all groups of workers; random migration was enhanced in workers of group I and lowered in male workers of group II. Higher phagocytosis of latex particles occurred in workers of group I and in males of group II, while tube adhesion was impaired in group I and enhanced in males of group II.