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Exposure to inhaled isobutyl nitrite reduces T cell blastogenesis and antibody responsiveness
1Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock 72205.
Abstract:
Isobutyl nitrite is a drug of abuse popular among male homosexuals and among adolescents. In order to approximate the nitrite exposures of inhalant abusers, mice were treated with 900 ppm isobutyl nitrite in an inhalation chamber for 45 min per day for 14 days. After 14 consecutive days of exposure to isobutyl nitrite, mice weighed an average of 4% less than mice exposed to air. The spleens of nitrite-exposed mice weighed 15% less and had 24% fewer cells per spleen than those of controls. Adjusted for equal cell numbers, T cell mitogenic and allogeneic proliferative responses were significantly reduced by 33 and 47%, respectively. The frequency of T-dependent plaque-forming cells (PFC) was inhibited by 63% and the total number of PFC per spleen was reduced by 72% in nitrite-exposed mice. In contrast, B cell proliferative responses to LPS were unaltered, suggesting that the toxicity of isobutyl nitrite did not affect all lymphoid cells equally. The data suggest that habitual inhalation of isobutyl nitrite could impair immune competence and that toxicity appeared to be directed toward T cell functions.
Insights
Isobutyl nitrite inhalant abuse may harm the immune system, particularly T cell functions. This study in mice showed reduced spleen size and impaired T cell responses after exposure.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Isobutyl nitrite is a drug of abuse with potential health risks.
- Understanding its effects on the immune system is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunotoxic effects of inhaled isobutyl nitrite in a mouse model.
- To determine if isobutyl nitrite exposure impacts T cell and B cell functions.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to 900 ppm isobutyl nitrite daily for 14 days.
- Body weight, spleen weight, and cellularity were measured.
- T cell and B cell responses were assessed through various immunological assays.
Main Results:
- Isobutyl nitrite exposure led to reduced body and spleen weight.
- Significant reductions in T cell mitogenic and proliferative responses were observed.
- T-dependent plaque-forming cell responses were markedly inhibited, while B cell responses to LPS remained unaltered.
Conclusions:
- Habitual inhalation of isobutyl nitrite can impair immune competence.
- The immunotoxicity of isobutyl nitrite appears to be specifically directed toward T cell functions.
- Isobutyl nitrite does not affect all lymphoid cells equally, sparing B cell responses.