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Related Concept Videos

Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance02:30

Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance

Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...

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Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic Poly(I:C)
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Published on: March 25, 2016

Prenatal cadmium exposure alters postnatal immune cell development and function.

Miranda L Hanson1, Ida Holásková, Meenal Elliott

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506-9177, USA.

Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology
|April 24, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Prenatal exposure to cadmium (Cd) impacts offspring immunity, decreasing certain immune cells and altering antibody responses. These effects are long-term and sex-specific, highlighting risks from gestational exposure.

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Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic Poly(I:C)
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Using Chicken Embryo as a Powerful Tool in Assessment of Developmental Cardiotoxicities
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Using Chicken Embryo as a Powerful Tool in Assessment of Developmental Cardiotoxicities

Published on: March 21, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Environmental Health
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Cadmium (Cd) exposure is widespread, with known immunomodulatory effects in adults.
  • Limited data exists on the immunomodulatory effects of prenatal cadmium exposure.
  • Understanding gestational Cd exposure impacts on offspring immunity is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the long-term effects of prenatal cadmium exposure on the developing immune system of offspring.
  • To assess sex-specific immunomodulatory effects following gestational cadmium exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Pregnant mice were exposed to an environmentally relevant dose of cadmium chloride (CdCl2).
  • Offspring immune system phenotypes (thymocytes, splenocytes) were analyzed via flow cytometry at 2 and 7 weeks post-birth.
  • Cytokine production, T-cell populations (nTreg, CD8+CD223+), and antibody responses to vaccination were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Prenatal Cd exposure decreased splenic macrophages in males and altered cytokine profiles (IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ) in a sex-specific manner.
  • Offspring showed increased antibody responses to T-dependent and T-independent antigens post-vaccination.
  • Increased nTreg cells were observed in most tissues, while CD8+CD223+ T cells decreased in spleens of all exposed offspring.

Conclusions:

  • Even low-level gestational cadmium exposure can cause persistent, detrimental, and sex-specific alterations in offspring immunity.
  • Prenatal Cd exposure may lead to dysregulated immune responses, including altered T-cell populations and enhanced antibody production.
  • Findings underscore the importance of minimizing environmental cadmium exposure during pregnancy.