[Various non-specific immunity proteins in the blood serum of workers in the coke-processing industry]

The concentrations of certain proteins related to non-specific immunity were determined in the serum of cokery workers and in a matched control group. No changes were found in the concentrations of the main proteins of the properdin system, that is properdin and third fraction of complement. However, the level of transferrin was higher in cokery workers. It seems that the harmful effects of the working environment were not changing the function of the properdin system. Raised transferrin level seems to be only a biochemical trace of exposure without essential importance.