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Effect of relocating to areas of reduced atmospheric particulate matter levels on the human circulating leukocyte count

¹Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575; ²41st Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition, National Institute of Polar Research, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-8515; ³Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical School, Minamikawachi, Tochigi 324-0498; ⁴Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Saga University, Saga 840-8502; and ⁵Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Community Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan

Submitted 9 January 2004 ; accepted in final form 25 June 2004

A high level of atmospheric particulate matter induces an increase in circulating polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) counts and an increase in serum inflammatory cytokine levels. The particulate level in Antarctica is extremely low compared with that in industrial countries. We hypothesized that this low level would reduce circulating leukocyte counts and serum inflammatory cytokine levels in people visiting Antarctica from industrial countries. The number density of particulates with aerodynamic diameters of <10.0 µm was measured in Japan and in Antarctica during the 41st Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition. Circulating leukocyte counts, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-6 levels, and pulmonary function were determined at regular intervals in 39 expedition members. The particulate number density was <1% of that measured in Japan. Total leukocytes, segmented and band-formed PMN, monocyte counts, and serum interleukin-6 levels decreased in Antarctica compared with the initial values measured in Japan. Pulmonary function parameters did not change except for maximal voluntary ventilation. Particulate matter levels had more significant effects on segmented PMN, band-formed PMN, and monocyte counts than cigarette smoking and the type of work. Exposure to reduced atmospheric particulates is considered to be a major factor for decreasing circulating leukocyte counts and serum cytokine levels.

polymorphonuclear leukocytes; bone marrow; granulocyte colony-stimulating factor; interleukin-6

This article has been cited by other articles:

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