Effects of chronic exposure to anaesthetic gases on some immune parameters

Life Style Factors Influencing Immunotoxic Effects Detected on Peripherial Blood Lymphocytes of Health Personnel Exposed to Anesthetic Gas

“…Unlike Bargellini et al [19], who report that X-Ray exposure was clearly associated with stimulation of NK lymphocytes, and NK cell percentages were significantly higher in anesthetists regularly working in operating rooms under X-rays compared to non-exposed anesthetists.…”

“…On the other hand, chronic exposure to trace amounts of Nitrous oxide and Isoflurane in a group of relatively young anesthetists, negatively affected percentages of T lymphocytes. Furthermore, percentages of T helper cells decreased significantly according to the individual exposure score [19]. From these studies, the conclusion can be drawn that the exposing agent and the exposure level causes the differences in findings.…”

“…But the studies are not easily comparable due to the heterogeneity of exposed groups, considerable differences in gas type and levels, the great variability in immune parameters examined, and the methodology of the studies. Many aspects of the immune response have been evaluated with contradictory results, some studies have not found any changes in the investigated immune parameters [14][15][16] and both inhibition and stimulation has been reported depending on the cell type or function [17][18][19]. …”

Neopterin as a marker of immunostimulation: an investigation in anaesthetic workplaces

“…In response to anaesthetic exposure, humoral parameters, such as the number of immunoglobulin G secreting cells, are altered in animal studies [19,20]. Exposure to low concentrations of volatile anaesthetics seems to inhibit predominantly T-helper cell function [11]. It has been reported that low concentrations of anaesthetics preferentially impair T cell activity, whereas higher concentrations also affect B cells [19,20].…”

“…Recent literature suggests that if subthreshold levels are maintained, the risk of occupational illness in operating theatre and recovery room personnel created by trace anaesthetic gases can be almost excluded [9,10]. To date, studies investigating the effects of trace anaesthetic gas exposure on the immune system have produced contradictory results [5,11,12]. One potential explanation might be the insufficient sensitivity of the tests used to assess the state of activity of the immune system.…”