Abstract
AbstractInhalation exposure to beryllium compounds causes pulmonary berylliosis in human beings as well as guinea pigs, and dermal contact results in the development of delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity. An experiment was conducted to study the relation between the two lesions. Guinea pigs with induced cutaneous hypersensitivity to BeSO4, as well as untreated guinea pigs, received inhalation exposure to BeSO4. Untreated and unexposed controls were also included. The pulmonary response was assayed at periodic sacrifices. High prevalence of pneumonitis (apparently of microbiological origin) and a much lower prevalence of granulomatosis (apparently from aspirated food particles) were observed in all animal groups. Fibrosis and metaplasia were highest in the untreated‐exposed, much lower in the treated‐exposed, and lowest in the unexposed group. Degree of cutaneous sensitivity and degree of lung damage among individual guinea pigs showed distinct negative correlation. The induction of hypersensitivity apparently conferred resistance on the guinea pigs to the fibrotic and metaplastic effects of beryllium inhalation. The phenomenon may have significance in the prophylaxis of beryllium‐exposed humans.
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