HUMAN IMMUNOTOXICOLOGIC MARKERS OF CHEMICAL EXPOSURES - PRELIMINARY VALIDATION STUDIES

The circulating cells of the immune system are sensitive to environmen tal contaminants, and effects are often manifested as changes in the c ell surface differentiation antigens of affected populations of cells, particularly lymphocytes. In this investigation, we explore the likel ihood that variation in the expression of the surface markers of immun e cells can be used as all index of exposure to toxic chemicals. We re cruited 38 healthy New Jersey men to study pesticides effects: 19 orch ard farmers (high exposure); 13 berry farmers (low exposure); and 6 ha rdware store owners (no exposure). Immunophenotyping was performed ass aying the following cell surface antigens: CD2, CD4, CD8, CD14, CD20, CD26, CD29, CD45R, CD56, and PMN. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate methods. There were no significant differences among the groups with respect to routine medical histories, physical examina tions, or routine laboratory parameters. No striking differences betwe en groups were seen in univariate tests. Multivariate.tests suggested some differences among groups and limited ability to correctly classif y individuals based on immunophenotyping results. Immunophenotyping re presents a fruitful area of research for improved exposure classificat ion. Work is needed both on mechanistic understanding of the patterns observed and on the statistical interpretation of these patterns.