Mechanisms of occupational asthma.

This article focuses on several mechanisms of occupational asthma. The mechanisms of "induction" or sensitization by which many occupational agents may induce asthma are largely unknown, but are believed to be mainly related to immunological sensitization. Most studies in occupational asthma have concentrated on antibody-mediated immunity. Skin-prick tests and circulating specific antibodies against extracts or conjugates of occupational sensitizers have been researched. The sensitivity and specificity of skin tests with conjugates of low molecular weight sensitizers are not known, thus these tests should not be used in clinical practice.