Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) pulmonary disease: immunologic and inhalation challenge studies

J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1976 Jul;58(1 PT 1):89-100. doi: 10.1016/0091-6749(76)90110-x.

Abstract

Clinical and serologic effects of TDI exposure were studied in 112 occupationally exposed plant workers. Sera were obtained before and after commencement of TDI production. All subjects were skin-tested with common inhalant allergens and a TDI-HSA conjugate. Total eosinophil counts, immunoglobulin quantitations, and specific antibody assays by PCA, P-K, and radioimmunoassay were performed. Clinically "sensitive" individuals were tested by provocative inhalation challenge with from 0.005 ppm to the threshold limit value of 0.02 ppm TDI. No TDI-induced immunologic changes were noted with the exception of 3 individuals who demonstrated small positive wheal-and-erythema reactions to TDI-HSA but not to HSA alone. Inhalation challenge with TDI vapor produced airways obstruction, as measured by FEF (25-75). These responses were of the immediate, delayed, and dual type, and were provoked in some cases with levels as low as 0.005 ppm TDI.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Airway Obstruction / diagnosis
  • Allergens / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies / analysis
  • Cyanates / adverse effects*
  • Eosinophils
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin G / analysis
  • Intradermal Tests
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis
  • Radioimmunoassay
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / etiology*
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Serum Albumin / immunology
  • Skin Tests
  • Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate / adverse effects*
  • Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate / immunology

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Antibodies
  • Cyanates
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Serum Albumin
  • Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate
  • Immunoglobulin E