Immunological status and ventilatory function in cotton workers

Imunološko ispitivanje provedeno je u 24 tekstilne radnice zaposlene na preradi pamuka i u 30 radnica kontrolne skupine. Kožni prick-testovi izvršeni su s alergenom prašine pamuka i sjemena pamuka. Pozitivni kožni testovi utvrđeni su u 33,3% radnica na preradi pamuka i povišeni IgE u 62,5% radnica na preradi pamuka s pozitivnim kožnim testom. Samo u dvije radnice s pozitivnim kožnim testovima utvrđeni su simptomi bisinozc među kontrolnim radnicama samo je 3,3% imalo pozitivne kožne testove, a nijedna radnica povišeni IgE. Ventilacijske funkcije pluća nisu se razlikovale između radnica s pozitivnim i onih s negativnim kožnim testovima, kao ni između onih s povišenim i onih s normalnim IgE. Djelovanje ekstrakta prašine pamuka na glatku muskulaturu izolirane traheje zamorčeta upućuje na to da prašina pamuka može djelovati direktno iritativno na respiratorni sustav uzrokujući konstrikciju dišnih putova tekstilnih radnica.Immunological testing was carried out in 24 cotton workers and in 30 control workers. Skin prick test was performed with allergens prepared from cotton dust and cotton seed. Skin tests were positive in 33.3% and IgE level was increased in 62.5% of the cotton workers. Only two cotton workers with positive skin tests had symptoms of byssinosis. Among control workers 3.3% had positive skin tests and none had increased IgE serum level. Ventilatory capacity in cotton workers with positive skin tests and those with negative skin tests was comparable. The same was true of the workers with increased and normal IgE levels. The effect of cotton dust extract on isolated tracheal smooth muscle of a guinea pig was an indication of a direct irritative action causing airway obstruction