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Changes in delayed hypersensitivity reaction in mice exposed to O3
Abstract:
BALB/c mice were continuously exposed to 0.8 ppm O3 for 1, 3, 7, and 14 days. Ozone exposure suppressed the delayed hypersensitivity (DH) reaction to sheep red blood cells (SRBC). The maximum effect was seen after 7 days of exposure. To estimate the suppression of the DH reaction by O3 exposure, the numbers of lymphocytes in thymus and blood of exposed mice were compared with those of control mice. A decrease in the numbers of lymphocytes in both thymus and blood was observed in O3-exposed mice. The percentage of T and B lymphocytes in blood of exposed mice was the same as that in blood of control mice. These results suggest that 0.8 ppm O3 exposure affects the T lymphocytes required for DH reactions.
Insights
Ozone (O3) exposure suppressed immune responses, specifically the delayed hypersensitivity (DH) reaction in mice. This immune suppression was linked to a decrease in T lymphocytes after prolonged ozone exposure.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Immunology
- Respiratory health
Background:
- Ozone (O3) is a major air pollutant with known respiratory effects.
- The impact of ozone on immune function, particularly cell-mediated immunity, requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of controlled ozone exposure on the delayed hypersensitivity (DH) immune response in BALB/c mice.
- To determine the impact of ozone on lymphocyte populations in the thymus and blood.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were exposed to 0.8 ppm ozone for 1, 3, 7, and 14 days.
- The delayed hypersensitivity (DH) reaction to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was measured.
- Lymphocyte counts and percentages (T and B cells) in thymus and blood were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Ozone exposure significantly suppressed the DH reaction, with maximum suppression observed at 7 days.
- A notable decrease in lymphocyte numbers was found in the thymus and blood of ozone-exposed mice.
- The proportion of T and B lymphocytes in the blood remained unchanged, suggesting a specific effect on T lymphocytes involved in DH.
Conclusions:
- Ozone exposure at 0.8 ppm impairs cell-mediated immunity in mice.
- The observed suppression of the DH reaction is associated with a reduction in T lymphocytes.
- These findings highlight the immunotoxic potential of ozone and its implications for immune defense.