Diisocyanate antigens that detect specific antibodies in exposed workers and guinea pigs.

Evaluation of the immunologic contribution to the pathogenesis of isocyanate lung disease necessitates preparation of isocyanate-protein conjugates to detect anti-isocyanate antibodies. The preparation and characterization of the conjugates were described in the preceding paper in this issue. Sera were obtained from two guinea pigs immunized with 4,4'-diisocyanatodiphenylmethane (MDI) and from three workers with occupational exposure to MDI.

Intra- and intermolecular reactions of 4,4'-diisocyanatodiphenylmethane with human serum albumin.

Diisocyanates are highly reactive industrial chemicals that have been shown to possess toxic activity, including potential for allergic sensitization. To assist in diagnosis of sensitization, immunoassays for diisocyanate-specific antibodies are performed; such assays require preparation of diisocyanate-containing hapten-protein conjugates. Conditions were investigated for formation of conjugates yielding varying degrees of hapten binding.