Immunological Consequences of Exposure to Pentachlorophenol

Evaluation of lymphocyte phenotype frequencies, functional responses, serum immunoglobulin levels, and autoantibodies was completed for 38 individuals (i.e., 10 families) who were exposed to pentachlorophenol (PCP) in manufacturer-treated log houses. Comparison of subjects with controls revealed that the exposed individuals had activated T-cells, autoimmunity, functional immunosuppression, and B-cell dysregulation. Autoimmunity was evidenced by elevation of TA1 phenotype frequencies and a 21% incidence of anti-smooth muscle antibody. Functional immunosuppression was evidenced by the significantly reduced responses to all mitogens tested and to allogeneic lymphocytes in the mixed lymphocyte culture test. There was a significant elevation of CD10, and an 18% increase or decrease in serum immunoglobulins was noted. A striking anomaly was the enhanced natural killer activity found in exposed females but not in males.