[Effects of amalgam on cells of the immune system].

Dental amalgam has been considered to have adverse side effects on the immune system. There are controversial reports, which indicate an increase as well as a decrease in peripheral blood lymphocyte counts due to amalgam fillings. We investigated 2 groups of patients: one group was treated with amalgam restorations for the first time. In the other group all previous amalgam fillings were removed. Before and after treatment we determined the absolute and relative numbers of granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, T cells, B cells, suppressor T cells, helper T cells and NK cells. In addition, functional investigations of T cells were performed. In conclusion, we could not find any effect of amalgam restorations on the immune system regarding the investigated parameters.