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Decrease of CD4+ T-lymphocytes in children exposed to environmental lead

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Abstract

The effects of environmental lead on the immune system of young children were assessed by determining the peripheral blood lymphocytes CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, B(CD19+) counts, and natural killer (CD16+ CD56+) cells in 35 preschool children whose mean blood lead level was 140.6 μg/L. The results were compared to an age- and sex-matched control group with a mean blood lead level of 64.3 μg/L. Compared to the controls, a significant reduction in the percentage of CD4+ cells and a significant increase of CD8+ cells were seen in the high-lead group. The negative correlation between the percentage of CD4+ cells and blood lead levels was found to be significant (p<0.01). These results suggest that exposure to environmental lead might result in alterations in the immune function of young children.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Children's Hospital of Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China

    Sun Li, Zhao Zhengyan, Li Rong & Cheng Hanyun

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  1. Sun Li
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  2. Zhao Zhengyan
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  3. Li Rong
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  4. Cheng Hanyun
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Correspondence to Sun Li.

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Li, S., Zhengyan, Z., Rong, L. et al. Decrease of CD4+ T-lymphocytes in children exposed to environmental lead. Biol Trace Elem Res 105, 19–25 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1385/BTER:105:1-3:019

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/BTER:105:1-3:019

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