Alteration of induced cellular and humoral immune responses by pesticides and chemicals of environmental concern: Quantitative studies of immunosuppression by DDT, aroclor 1254, carbaryl, carbofuran, and methylparathion

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Abstract

Dose-dependent, immunosuppressive effects of continued dietary treatment of rabbits with DDT, Aroclor 1254, carbaryl, carbofuran, and methylparathion were studied. The animals were given a diet containing graded amounts of chemicals for 4 wk and challenged with sheep red blood cells and Freund's adjuvant. The testing followed for an additional 4 wk while the animals were maintained on the same diets as before. The most sensitive indication of immunosuppression was based on evaluation of lymphatic organs, primarily those dependent on thymus-derived lymphocytes. The chemical treatments resulted in a decreased count of plasma cells in popliteal lymph nodes (except with carbaryl), reduction of germinal centers in the spleen, and increasing atrophy of thymus cortex. These responses were generally scaled to increasing levels of the compounds tested. Hemolysin and hemagglutinin titers were not significantly affected by any of the chemical treatments nor were consistent trends observed. The antigen-induced increase in serum γ-globulin was consistently decreased with DDT, Aroclor, carbaryl, and carbofuran treatments, but only carbaryl produced significant changes (at 10 days postantigen). DDT groups showed significantly higher preantigen γ-globulin values which were less evident following antigen challenge. Skin sensitivity to tuberculin was decreased (except with carbaryl) but generally only at high dosages of the test chemicals. None of the compounds showed any effect on growth, food consumption, leucocyte count, or on organ to body weight ratios for liver, kidney, spleen, and adrenal, except for slight liver enlargement caused by Aroclor 1254.

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