[A study on the immunology and etiology of platinum induced asthma]

Two platinum (Pt) refinery workers with work related asthma was reported. The serum specific IgE and skin test for Pt antigen were positive. Ten guinea pigs were immunized with Pt-BSA conjugates employing CFA or AHG adjuvant via intraperitoneal. After 5-8 weeks, 33.3% of the sensitized animals experienced asthma attacks after a Pt-HSA challenge. The dynamic ventilation pulmonary imaging with 99mTc-DTPA showed a central accumulation of radioactivity. A specific IgE and IgG type antibodies were developed in 66.7% of sensitized animals by PCA test. Results of these suggested that platinum complex salt have antigenic specify. Allergic response play an important role in the mechanism of Pt induced asthma.