[Synergistic effect of organic solvents and tobacco smoke on serum immunoglobulin levels in humans].

The IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD and IgE levels in the blood serum was determined using the radial immunodiffusion method--the Tri-Partigen and the Partigen plated produced by Behringin 49 male non-smokers, 47 subjects who had been smoking for more than 10 years, 19 non-smokers occupationally exposed to organic solvents and 41 smokers exposed to the above-mentioned chemical compounds. It was found that both tobacco smoke and organic solvents, when acting separately, diminish the IgA and IgG level in the serum. Additionally, in the smokers the lowering of the IgM level occurred. In smokers occupationally exposed to benzene and its homologues the decrease in the IgA, IgG and IgM level in the serum was more significant than in those exposed to either tobacco smoke or organic solvents. The authors emphasize the role of smoking in the evaluation of the immunotoxic effect of various factors of industrial origin.