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Effects of AFB1 embryonic exposure on chicken mononuclear phagocytic cell functions
D L Neldon-Ortiz1, M A Qureshi
1Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695-7608.
Insights
Embryonic exposure to aflatoxin-B1 (AFB1) in chickens can lead to long-term immune dysfunction. Postnatal development shows reduced macrophage function, impacting the mononuclear phagocytic system and potentially causing immune depression.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Aflatoxin-B1 (AFB1) is a common mycotoxin with known toxic effects.
- The impact of embryonic AFB1 exposure on the developing immune system, particularly the mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS), requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effects of embryonic exposure to aflatoxin-B1 (AFB1) on the postnatal development of chicken mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS) function.
- To determine if early-life exposure to AFB1 results in long-term immune alterations in chickens.
Main Methods:
- Chicken embryos at 6 days of development were exposed to varying doses of AFB1 (0.1, 0.5, 1 microgram) or a solvent control.
- Postnatal immune function was assessed by analyzing circulating cell populations (thrombocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes) and peritoneal macrophage activity (recruitment, adherence, phagocytosis) following Sephadex elicitation.
Main Results:
- AFB1 exposure caused a dose-related increase in embryonic mortality.
- Postnatal analysis revealed reduced circulating thrombocytes and altered monocyte/lymphocyte populations in chicks exposed to the highest AFB1 dose.
- Macrophages from AFB1-exposed birds exhibited reduced recruitment, adherence, and phagocytic potential, indicating impaired function.
Conclusions:
- Embryonic exposure to AFB1 can lead to significant alterations in the postnatal development of the chicken mononuclear phagocytic system.
- The study suggests that early-life AFB1 exposure can result in long-term immune depression, specifically affecting macrophage-mediated functions.
Abstract:
Effects of embryonic exposure to aflatoxin-B1 (AFB1) on the postnatal development of chicken mononuclear phagocytic system function was examined. Single exposure of 6-d chick embryos to 0.1, 0.5, and 1 micrograms AFB1 in 10 microL acetone was employed. Control embryos received 10 microliters solvent and sham-treated controls included embryos with a hole in the egg shell with no compound added. Aflatoxin B1 exposure caused a dose-related increase in embryonic mortality. After hatch, no differences were observed in body weight gain among treatment groups. The incidence of circulating thrombocytes was reduced in chicks exposed to the highest AFB1 dose with enhancement in monocyte and lymphocyte cell populations. Birds exposed to 1 microgram AFB1 recruited fewer macrophages in the peritoneal cavity after i.p. Sephadex elicitation along with reduced substrate adherence potential of peritoneal exudate cells. Similarly, macrophages from 0.5 and 1 micrograms AFB1-treated birds had depressed phagocytic potential. These results suggest that long-term immune depression of macrophage-mediated functions can occur following embryonic exposure to AFB1.