[Basophil histamine and peripheral blood serotonin in metal and toxic gas poisoning]

Thirty-six persons in non-occupational exposure to air polluted by sulphur and nitrogen oxides and metallic lead and cadmium dust have been examined. The levels of basophil histamine and whole blood serotonin have been determined. A decrease in the basophil histamine level observed in our studies may be indicative of allergic effects of industrial pollution in that region. Simultaneously, we observed changes in the ratios of biogenic amines responsible for immunological response, i.e. changes in the histamine-serotonin ratio.