Occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis after exposure to diphenylmethane diisocyanate

Am Rev Respir Dis. 1982 Jan;125(1):113-6. doi: 10.1164/arrd.1982.125.1.113.

Abstract

A foundry worker developed dyspnea and a restrictive breathing defect after being exposed to diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MD) at work. His symptoms and lung function impairment subsided a few weeks after he left work. Specific inhalation challenges with the offending agent induced general malaise together with a significant increase in body temperature and leukocyte count as well as a significant decrease in forced vital capacity and transfer factor. Total antibody activity to a MDI human serum albumin (MDI-HSA) conjugate was detected by ammonium sulfate precipitation. Specific IgG antibodies were demonstrated by the enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent (ELISA) technique. Thus, it was found that MDI exposure can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis and induce the production of specific antibodies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / chemically induced*
  • Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / immunology
  • Cyanates*
  • Humans
  • Isocyanates*
  • Male
  • Occupational Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Occupational Diseases / immunology
  • Respiratory Function Tests

Substances

  • Cyanates
  • Isocyanates
  • 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate