Interaction of HLA phenotype and exposure intensity in sensitization to complex platinum salts.

The development of sensitization to inhaled allergens is determined by the interaction of multiple genetic and environmental influences. Occupational sensitization to low-molecular-weight chemicals allows a specific immunological response to an inhaled hapten to be studied in a well-defined population with characterized exposure. We investigated the workforce of a large platinum refinery exposed to ammonium hexachloroplatinate (ACP) to test the hypothesis that the development of IgE-associated sensitization to ACP was influenced by human leukocyte-associated antigen (HLA) phenotype, especially in those with lower ACP exposure.

Specific IgE to isocyanates: a useful diagnostic role in occupational asthma.

Background: Isocyanates are the most frequent cause of occupational asthma in industrialized countries.

Objective: We sought to investigate the utility of specific IgE measurement in the diagnosis of isocyanate-induced asthma.

Methods: Fifty-eight of 101 patients referred for investigation were diagnosed as having isocyanate-induced occupational asthma by means of history, serial peak flow records, and bronchial provocation tests.