[Study of alpha 1-antitrypsin and alpha 2-macroglobulin in workers exposed to byssinogenic dusts].

The level of IgG, IgA, IgM, alpha1-antitrypsin and alpha2-macroglobulin was determined by radial immunodiffusion in 27 workmen in the flax processing industry, exposed to the risk of byssinosis and 33 retired workmen with a diagnosis of byssinosis. The control lot included 26 blood donors. A significant increase in IgM, alpha1-antitrypsin and alpha2-macroglobulin levels was noted in the active workmen; the increase was not significant in the retired workmen. The high IgM levels was brought about by the immunological processes taking place under the influence of the antigenic components of the dust inhaled; the increase in antitrypsin and alpha2-macroglobulin was considered as an acute protein reaction to the presence of inflammatory proteases.