Phenotypic Composition of Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes and Their Cooperation in Patients With Chronic Mercury Intoxication in a Post-Contact Period

Abstract

Introduction. Based on the current understanding of the progression of professional chronic mercury intoxication, it is extremely important to study the regulatory activity of immunocompetent cells after the cessation contact with mercury to develop effective therapeutic measures. The purpose of the study was to study the population and subpopulation spectrum of peripheral blood lymphocytes and their cooperation in patients with chronic mercury intoxication in a distant postexposure period. Material and methods. Phenotyping of lymphocytes in the blood of the subjects was carried out by the method of indirect immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibodies to the molecules CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD9+, CD16+, CD20+, CD21+, CD23+, CD25+, CD95+. Results. In patients with chronic mercury intoxication in the long-term postexposure period, there were revealed features of the immune system functioning, indicating hyperactivation of both T- and B-components of the immune system. An increase in the total population of T-lymphocytes was established due to an increase in cells with receptors CD4+ (T-lymphocyte-helper cells) and CD16+ (killer cells), as well as an increase in the number of mature B-lymphocytes (CD20+) and pre-B-immature-lymphocytes (CD9+). Changes in the system of lymphocyte apoptosis, characterized by an increase in the number of cells expressing receptors for readiness for Fas-dependent apoptosis (CD95+), have been recorded. The established relationships between populations and subpopulations of lymphocytes indicate their importance in the implementation of the immune response, high activity and contingency between the components of the immune system in persons with chronic mercury intoxication after the termination of contact with the toxicant. Conclusion. The results obtained are the basis for long-term monitoring of the health status and improvement of the tactics of treating patients with neurointoxication with mercury in the postexposure period.