Increased blood monocyte procoagulant activity in cotton mill workers.

Blood monocyte procoagulant activity has previously been related to delayed type hypersensitivity. In this study, cotton workers exposed to cotton dust containing endotoxin and subjects not exposed to organic dusts, were examined. Blood mononuclear cells from the two groups were incubated with and without endotoxin and the recalcification time was measured. Mononuclear cells from cotton workers had a decreased baseline procoagulant activity but an increased response to endotoxin, suggesting cellular sensitization to the endotoxin present in cotton dust.