Abstract
The in vitro and in vivo tests for blood lymphocytes from 43 patients with asbestosis and 46 normal adults were performed. These tests included blood lymphocyte counts, lymphocyte transformation, with and without PHA-P, population of E-and EAC-Rosettes forming cells and skin response by PPD and PHA-P injection. Serum immunoglobulin levels were also quantitated and following results were obtained.
1) The mean counts of blood lymphocytes in asbestosis patients of grade I, II and III disclosed 1206, 1620 and 1669/mm3 respectively, while that of normal controls was 2154/mm3. In 9 cases of associated neoplasm there was remarkable lymphopenia.
2) PHA-P response (3H-thymidine uptake) of blood lymphocytes from asbestosis patients was depressed with the degree of diffuse reticulations of the lungs, compared with those of normal controls.
3) PHA-P and PPD skin tests showed less reaction in asbestosis than those in minimal tuberculosis.
4) The population of E-Rosette forming cells in blood lymphocytes of asbestosis patients was decreased, while that of EAC-Rosettes forming cells was increased.
5) In almost cases of asbestosis, the serum levels of IgG and IgA showed significant elevation.
