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Humoral and cell-mediated immune status of mice exposed to trans-1,2-dichloroethylene
Abstract:
This study assessed possible adverse immunological effects of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (DCE) on random-bred CD-1 mice following 14 and 90 days of exposure. A 14-day range-finding study was performed on male mice by gavage at doses 1/10 and 1/100 the LD50 (210 and 21 mg/kg). No alterations in either humoral or cell-mediated immunity were observed following this exposure. A 90-day study was conducted in which DCE was administered in the drinking water of male and female mice. The levels of DCE in the drinking water were calculated to deliver levels equivalent to, and higher than, those delivered for 14 days (17, 175, and 387 mg/kg for males and 23, 224, and 452 mg/kg for females). No changes were observed in the cell-mediated immune status of either sex or in the humoral immune status of females. However, a marked suppression in humoral immune status was observed in male mice exposed to all three levels of DCE, as indicated by a decreased ability of spleen cells to produce antibody against sheep erythrocytes (sRBC). Macrophage function was depressed only in females, as indicated by the decreased ability of thioglycollate-recruited peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) to phagocytize sRBC.
Insights
Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (DCE) exposure suppressed male mouse humoral immunity but not cell-mediated immunity. Female mice showed depressed macrophage function, not humoral or cell-mediated immunity.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Immunology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (DCE) is an industrial solvent with potential health risks.
- Assessing the immunotoxicological effects of environmental contaminants is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the adverse immunological effects of DCE exposure in mice.
- To determine dose- and duration-dependent immunotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to DCE via gavage (14-day study) and drinking water (90-day study).
- Humoral immunity was assessed by antibody production against sheep erythrocytes (sRBC).
- Cell-mediated immunity and macrophage function were evaluated using specific assays.
Main Results:
- No significant immunological changes were observed in the 14-day study.
- Male mice showed suppressed humoral immunity after 90-day DCE exposure.
- Female mice exhibited depressed macrophage function, while cell-mediated immunity remained unaffected in both sexes.
Conclusions:
- DCE exposure can lead to sex-specific immunomodulatory effects.
- Male mice are more susceptible to humoral immune suppression, while females show impaired macrophage function.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term implications of DCE exposure on the immune system.