Workers with sensitivity to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) were studied to determine bronchial hyperreactivity mechanisms. Tests included provocative inhalation challenge (PIC) with TDI and methacholine challenge. Blood samples obtained prior to and at various times after PIC were used to measure complement and split products of complement and plasma histamine levels and to determine dose-response slopes of lymphocyte cyclic AMP (cAMP) following stimulation with agonists. TDI-reactive individuals were reactive to methacholine and responded to PIC with TDI by immediate, delayed or dual bronchospastic reactions. No change in plasma histamine, total complement levels or split complement products were measurable. TDI reactors gave decreased lymphocyte cAMP dose response slopes to stimulation with isoproterenol, prostaglandin E1 and TDI. Adrenergic receptor impairment may play an important role in TDI reactivity.