XILOL: EFEITOS IMUNOLÓGICOS E HEMATOLÓGICOS À EXPOSIÇÃO OCUPACIONAL EM HISTOTÉCNICOS.

Abstract

Xylene is an aromatic hydrocarbon of oily consistency, practically insoluble in water, inflammable and toxic. Its contamination is persistent and bioaccumulative and can damage health and environment. Due to increasing amounts of work-related injuries, mainly those caused by chemical intoxication, health and safety programs have been implemented. Regulatory rules were created aiming workers’ integrity and health, such as the NR7 that established biological parameters to occupational exposure to chemicals and NR15 that determined the allowed tolerance limit in an occupational setting. This study aimed evaluating hematological and immunological parameters of technicians in histological laboratories exposed to xylene and non-exposed individuals. The urine methylhippuric acid level was measured by high performance liquid chromatography. The hematological indices were evaluated in technicians exposed to xylene and non-exposed controls. The T lymphocytes (CD3+) and subpopulations (CD4+ and CD8+), NK cells (CD56+) and B cells (CD19+) were evaluated by flow cytometry. Phagocytic index was assessed in peripheral blood neutrophiles in technicians and normal controls using Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast sensitized or not with serum. Methylhippuric acid levels present in the urine of technicians and controlled groups were within the allowed tolerance limits. No significant quantitative alterations of hematological indices were shown in technicians when compared to normal controls. However, peripheral blood neutrophils phagocytic index in technicians was significantly higher than in normal controls. Data shows that xylene use in this occupational activity does not imply in quantitative hematological and immunological alterations. Nonetheless, increased phagocytic capacity of the peripheral blood neutrophils of technicians suggest hyperactivation of these cells.