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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
Preparing T Cell Growth Factor from Rat Splenocytes
Published on: October 31, 2007
Activation of rat splenic macrophage and lymphocyte functions by fumonisin B1
M A Dombrink-Kurtzman1, R Gomez-Flores, R J Weber
1Mycotoxin Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604-3902, USA. dombrink@mail.ncaur.usda.gov
Abstract:
Fumonisins represent a family of toxic, structurally related metabolites produced by fungi that are found in corn worldwide. We investigated the effects of the mycotoxin, fumonisin B(1), on rat splenic macrophage and lymphocyte functions. Pretreatment (24 h) of resident macrophages with fumonisin B(1) (1, 10, and 100 microg/ml) significantly (p<0.01) stimulated nitric oxide production (0.48, 2. 60, and 4.40 nmol nitrite/well, respectively), compared with the response of untreated macrophages (no nitrite detected), after 72 h of culture. Fumonisin B(1) (1 and 10 microg/ml) and IFN-gamma acted in an additive manner to activate nitric oxide production. The response of IFN-gamma (50 U/ml)-activated macrophages (1.68 nmol nitrite/well) was potentiated (3.52, 4.96, and 4.44 nmol nitrite/well) by fumonisin B(1) (1, 10, and 100 microg/ml, respectively). In addition, fumonisin B(1) significantly (p<0.05) potentiated Con A (1.25 to 5 microg/ml) (1.46- to 2.62-fold increases)- and antiTCR, IL-2 or antiTCR+IL-2 (1.72- to 2.60-fold increases)-induced proliferation of splenic cells in the presence of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (NMA). These results show two distinct and separate effects of fumonisin B(1): it induces nitric oxide production by macrophages and it stimulates T cell proliferation.
Insights
Fumonisin B(1), a mycotoxin found in corn, stimulates nitric oxide production in macrophages and enhances T cell proliferation. This study reveals dual immunomodulatory effects of fumonisin B(1) on rat immune cells.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Immunology
- Mycotoxicology
Background:
- Fumonisins are toxic fungal metabolites prevalent in corn globally.
- Fumonisin B(1) is a significant fumonisin congener.
- Understanding fumonisin B(1)'s impact on immune function is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of fumonisin B(1) on rat splenic macrophage and lymphocyte functions.
- To elucidate the immunomodulatory mechanisms of fumonisin B(1).
Main Methods:
- Macrophages were pretreated with varying concentrations of fumonisin B(1).
- Nitric oxide production was measured in cultured macrophages.
- Splenic cell proliferation was assessed using mitogens and antibodies in the presence of an inhibitor.
Main Results:
- Fumonisin B(1) significantly stimulated nitric oxide production by macrophages in a dose-dependent manner.
- Fumonisin B(1) acted additively with IFN-gamma to enhance nitric oxide production.
- Fumonisin B(1) potentiated T cell proliferation induced by various stimuli.
Conclusions:
- Fumonisin B(1) exhibits dual immunomodulatory effects: inducing nitric oxide production in macrophages and stimulating T cell proliferation.
- These findings highlight the complex interaction between fumonisin B(1) and the immune system.
