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Neopterin as a marker of immunostimulation: an investigation in anaesthetic workplaces
Author(s) -
Gruber G.,
Lirk P.,
Amann A.,
Keller C.,
Schobersberger W.,
Hoffmann G.,
Fuchs D.,
Rieder J.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
anaesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.839
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1365-2044
pISSN - 0003-2409
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2044.2002.02694.x
Subject(s) - neopterin , medicine , urinary system , immune system , anesthesia , immunology
Summary Personnel working in operating theatres and recovery rooms are exposed to a variety of noxious substances. The results of studies of the effects of occupational exposure on immune parameters are conflicting. Neopterin is an acknowledged marker of immunostimulation. Urinary neopterin levels of 58 anaesthetists and anaesthetic nurses were measured over a 3‐week period. Neopterin analyses were performed using high performance liquid chromatography. Neopterin levels were within the normal range for all subjects. Younger subjects (aged ≤ 35 years) had significantly higher urinary neopterin concentrations than older subjects (aged > 35 years). The present study is the first to investigate the influence of anaesthetic exposure on neopterin levels. No evidence of immunostimulation was found.