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Topical permethrin exposure inhibits antibody production and macrophage function in C57Bl/6N mice
K Punareewattana1, B J Smith, B L Blaylock
1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0442, USA.
Abstract:
Permethrin was applied to the shaved dorsal interscapular region of C57Bl/6N mice at doses of 0.5, 1.5 or 5.0 microl/day. These doses corresponded to approximately 22-220 mg/kg/day topical insecticide. Mice were exposed to permethrin in this manner daily for 10 or 30 consecutive days, or every other day for 7 or 14 exposures. The splenic macrophage chemiluminescent response was depressed in a dose-dependent manner at 2 and 10 days post-exposure to permethrin. Phagocytic ability of macrophages was not inhibited. Antibody production as shown by plaque-forming cell (PFC) assay decreased significantly after 10 consecutive days of exposure to permethrin. These data indicate that topical permethrin exposure may produce systemic immune effects.
Insights
Topical permethrin exposure in mice suppressed immune responses, specifically the macrophage chemiluminescent response and antibody production. These findings suggest potential systemic immune effects from permethrin use.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Immunology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Permethrin is a widely used synthetic pyrethroid insecticide.
- Understanding the systemic effects of topical permethrin exposure is crucial for public health.
- Previous research has indicated potential neurotoxic effects of permethrin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the systemic immune effects of topical permethrin exposure in a mouse model.
- To determine the dose-dependent and time-dependent effects of permethrin on immune cell function.
Main Methods:
- C57Bl/6N mice were topically exposed to permethrin at varying doses (0.5, 1.5, 5.0 microl/day) for different durations (10 or 30 days, or 7 or 14 exposures every other day).
- Splenic macrophage chemiluminescent response and phagocytic ability were assessed.
- Antibody production was evaluated using the plaque-forming cell (PFC) assay.
Main Results:
- A dose-dependent depression in splenic macrophage chemiluminescent response was observed at 2 and 10 days post-exposure.
- Phagocytic ability of macrophages remained unaffected.
- Significant decrease in antibody production (PFC assay) was noted after 10 consecutive days of permethrin exposure.
Conclusions:
- Topical permethrin exposure can lead to systemic immune alterations in mice.
- The immune effects observed include suppressed macrophage function and reduced antibody production.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the full spectrum of permethrin's immunomodulatory effects.
