Original scientific paper

Immunological status and ventilatory function in cotton workers

E. Žuškin ; Škola narodnog zdravlja »Andrija Štampar« Medicinskog fakulteta Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
B. Kanceljak ; Institut za medicinska istraživanja i medicinu rada, Zagreb, Hrvatska
J. Mustajbegović ; Škola narodnog zdravlja »Andrija Štampar« Medicinskog fakulteta Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb
J. Kern ; Škola narodnog zdravlja »Andrija Štampar« Medicinskog fakulteta Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
M. Tonković-Lojović ; Poslovna zajednica grada Zagreba, Zagreb, Hrvatska

Abstract

Immunological testing was carried out in 24 cotton workers and in 30 control workers. Skin prick test was performed with allergens prepared from cotton dust and cotton seed. Skin tests were positive in 33.3% and IgE level was increased in 62.5% of the cotton workers. Only two cotton workers with positive skin tests had symptoms of byssinosis. Among control workers 3.3% had positive skin tests and none had increased IgE serum level. Ventilatory capacity in cotton workers with positive skin tests and those with negative skin tests was comparable. The same was true of the workers with increased and normal IgE levels. The effect of cotton dust extract on isolated tracheal smooth muscle of a guinea pig was an indication of a direct irritative action causing airway obstruction.

Keywords

allergens; byssinosis; experiments in vitro; immunological testing; dust inhalation; respiratory symptoms; textile industry; guinea pig trachea; venrilarory capacity

Hrčak ID:

148756

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/148756

Publication date:

25.3.1992.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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