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Immunotoxicity of atrazine in Balb/c mice
Jin Y Chen1, Yang Song, Li S Zhang
1West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, P. R. China.
Abstract:
The present study was designed to investigate the immunotoxicity of atrazine (ATZ) in male Balb/c mice. ATZ (175, 87.5, and 43.75 mg/kg bw/day) was administered by gavage method for 28 days. The following indexes were determined in various groups of mice: body and organ weight; antibody aggregation of serum hemolysin; proliferative response of splenocytes to ConA; delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH); natural killer cell activity; clearance of neutral red and nitric oxide (NO) release from peritoneal macrophages; apostosis and necrosis of splenocytes and thymocytes; cytokine production; and serum lysozyme. Results showed that cell-mediated, humoral immunity, and non-specific immune function in the high-dose ATZ group were suppressed; NO release and interferon-γ(IFN-γ)/interleukin-4 (IL-4) were also significantly decreased in the high-dose group. In the medium-dose group, the proliferation response and IFN-γ production was significantly decreased. In the low-dose group, the proliferation response was significantly decreased. Serum lysozyme was decreased in the ATZ-treated groups. The percentage of early apoptosis in thymocytes was increased significantly in high- and medium-dose ATZ groups. In conclusion, ATZ elicited an inhibitory effect on cell-mediated immunity, humoral immunity, and non-specific immune function of mice.
Insights
Atrazine (ATZ) exposure suppressed immune functions in male mice, including cell-mediated, humoral, and non-specific immunity. This immunotoxicity was observed across various dose levels, indicating potential health risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Immunology
- Animal studies
Background:
- Atrazine (ATZ) is a widely used herbicide.
- Concerns exist regarding its potential adverse health effects, particularly on the immune system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunotoxic effects of atrazine in male Balb/c mice.
- To evaluate the impact of ATZ on various immune parameters following sub-chronic exposure.
Main Methods:
- Male Balb/c mice were administered ATZ (175, 87.5, 43.75 mg/kg bw/day) via gavage for 28 days.
- Assessed immune responses including antibody hemolysin, splenocyte proliferation, DTH, NK cell activity, macrophage function, apoptosis, cytokine production, and serum lysozyme.
- Analyzed body and organ weights.
Main Results:
- High-dose ATZ suppressed cell-mediated, humoral, and non-specific immunity.
- Decreased nitric oxide (NO) release, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in high-dose groups.
- Reduced splenocyte proliferation and IFN-γ production in medium-dose groups; reduced proliferation in low-dose groups.
- Increased thymocyte apoptosis in high- and medium-dose groups; decreased serum lysozyme across ATZ-treated groups.
Conclusions:
- Atrazine exhibits significant immunotoxic effects in male mice.
- ATZ exposure inhibits cell-mediated, humoral, and non-specific immune functions.
- Findings suggest potential risks associated with atrazine exposure to immune health.
