Systemic effects of ingested nickel on the immune system of nickel sensitised women

This study evaluates the immune response to ingestion of 10 mg of nickel (N i) (as Ni sulphate) in 19 young non-atopic Ni-sensitised or 9 non-allergic women (group A). After Ni ingestion at 8 a.m, non-allergic and 12 Ni-sensit ised women (group B) were non-symptomatic, while 7 Ni-sensitised women (gro up C) showed a flare up of urticaria and/or eczema. Serum and urine Ni were greatly lower before Ni administration than after 4 and 24 hours, without difference among the 3 groups. Before treatment, group B and C showed highe r values of blood CD19+ and CD5--CD19+ cells than group A, while group C sh owed higher serum interleukin (IL) 2 and lower serum IL-5. Four hours after Ni ingestion, group C showed significant increase in serum IL-5. Twenty-fo ur hours after treatment, group A showed a significant reduction in blood C D4+-CD45RO- "virgin" cells and an increase of CD8+ lymphocytes, while group C showed a marked decrease in total blood lymphocytes and CD3+, CD4+-CD45R O-, CD4+-CD45RO+, CD8+, CD19+ and CD5--CD19+ cell subsets. These data may b e explained with migration of lymphocytes in tissues with a Th0-like immune response, as shown by the elevated serum IL-2 and the increase of serum IL -5 during the test.