What is metal allergy?

Besides that a number of metals ( natrium, potassium, calcium, ) are indispensable element of our body, lot of metal, in spite of itself does not constitute a danger for organism is able to start immune reactions.

Our body’s response often depends on the form of meeting with metal and the quantity of metal. In case of large quantity inspiration or touch of certain metals actuates local irritant inflamed processes, however a small quantity is not usually endanger. Often a few micrograms are sufficient to start-up allergic processes. In most cases type I or IV allergic reaction or autoimmune response stands in the background.

Metal ions are able to influence the immune system’s function in two general ways. They are able to activate the T and B lymphocytes through specific receptors which start-up the reproduction of metal sensitive lymphocytes and provoke immune response with new contact. Other is that the metal influences the immune system’s function on non-specific way. It can be a general immune system suppression when repress its functions, but it can be an immune system activation when counteractive it. The distinction between of the two mechanisms are possible with metal specific lymphocytes as well as they react to the re- appearance of the metal.

The most common form of metal allergy is contact dermatitis. More than 10 % of European population- mostly women- are Ni allergy. Cobalt, chromate, palladium, platinum, mercury and gold are also among contacts that have a high possibility of triggering threatening reactions. Legtöbb irodalom azonban a nikkel-allergiáról elérhető, ahol erős bizonyítékok szólnak a nikkel specifikus T sejtek patogenezisben betöltött központi szerepéről. A többi fém esetén a mechanizmus hasonló lehet.