Immunoglobulin E and autoantibodies in mercury-exposed workers

In this work we have studied the serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and the concentration of anti-DNA and anti-nucleus antibodies in mercury-exposed workers. The study group consisted of 36 workers from a mercury producing plant, with a mean age of 27 years and a mean exposure period to mercury of 19 months. At the time of testing, and for the three previous months, the exposed population had urinary mercury levels below the currently accept limit of 50 ug/g creatinine. Significantly increased IgE levels was found in the mercury-exposed individuals. Moreover, a moderate negative correlation (r = -0.43 P < 0.05) between the length of exposure to mercury and IgE levels was observed. Anti-DNA and anti-nucleus antibodies were not detected in these workers. These results suggest that the humoral immune response is an indicator of cellular changes in workers chronically exposed to mercury, even in those with urinary mercury concentrations within levels considered safe in the occupational area.