Occupationally induced hypersensitive reactions towards chemical compounds are increasingly observed. In this regard
ammonium persulfate (APS) is reported as an inducer of
erythema,
urticaria,
eczema,
rhinitis and
bronchial asthma. On the basis of these reactions, persulfates obviously show some characteristics of skin-sensitizing as well as respiratory
allergens. We measured the effect of APS on the release of inflammatory mediators, i.e.
leukotriene B4 (
LTB4), from human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN). The effect of the persulfate was analyzed in comparison of the corresponding
sulfate. After different cellular activation either with the Ca
ionophore A23187, the tripeptide formyl-
methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) or
sodium fluoride (NaF) coincubation of PMN with APS led to a diminished generation of
LTB4. In addition it was demonstrated that APS decreased the stability of
leukotrienes in cell-free systems. However, cells which were preactivated with APS and subsequently washed showed an increase in
leukotriene formation after stimulation with fMLP or NaF but not with the Ca
ionophore. Thus, the concentration of APS at local tissue sites as well as the occurrence and nature of a secondary cell-activating stimulus finally determine to what extent persulfates will interfere with cellular functions, e.g. mediator suppression or induction, which are then responsible for clinical disease processes.