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UTAH VALLEY DUST AFFECTS HUMAN BAL LYMPHOCYTES
Citation:
Harder, S. D., L. A. Dailey, A J. Ghio, AND S. Becker. UTAH VALLEY DUST AFFECTS HUMAN BAL LYMPHOCYTES. Presented at American Thoracic Society Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, May 18-23, 2001.
Description:
Increased morbidity and mortality have been associated with elevated levels of inhalable air particles. Causative constituents of PM and pathophysiological mechanisms involved have not been determined. A unique situation in the Utah Valley during a three yr period permitted examination of the effect of varying concentrations of particles and type of metals on human health when a steel mill was closed and subsequently reopened resulting in diminished particle levels during the closure. Sampling filters were obtained from this period and aqueous extracts prepared for instillation into the segmental bronchus of 24 volunteers; saline was instilled into the right lung as control. Twenty four hours later, cells were obtained by broncho alveolar lavage (BAL). To determine a change in phenotype which would imply altered immunocompetence, we investigated the possibility that lymphocytes would be modulated by exposure to extracts. Surface membrane receptors were examined using monoclonal antibodies to delineate T and B populations as well as markers involved with host defense. Analysis was performed by flow cytometry. Stimulation of the T cell helper population and activation markers resulted from exposure to dust obtained prior to the mill closing as compared to time of closure. Some component of UVD increased the absolute number of lymphocytes and modulated several receptor markers on their surface. These findings may have important implications in resolving the effects of particulate matter on human health.
This is an abstract of a proposed presentation and does not necessarily reflect EPA policy.