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Is a compromised interferon response an etiologic factor in Reye's syndrome?
Abstract:
Young mice injected with sublethal doses of Toximul MP8, a typical commercial polyoxyethylene ether-based emulsifier, died more frequently when infected with encephalomyocarditis virus than did control mice. Lymphocytes taken from emulsifier-injected mice responded poorly to interferon induction, unlike lymphocytes from control animals. Interferon protected control mice against viral encephalomyocarditis, but such protection was not equally demonstrable in emulsifier-injected mice. These data suggest that the enhanced lethality of encephalomyocarditis virus in emulsifier-injected mice is associated with and perhaps caused by a compromised interferon response in these animals. Since these emulsifiers are commonly found in the environment in areas where forests are sprayed with pesticides, a group of children suffering from Reye's syndrome who lived in such areas was investigated. Blood samples were obtained from five children with influenza B-associated Reye's syndrome during their acute illness and during convalescence. Lymphocytes obtained from these samples and from peripheral blood samples from healthy children (controls) were induced to synthesize interferon by exposure to Newcastle disease virus. The lymphocytes from the convalescent patients and from the controls responded well to induction. However, the lymphocytes obtained from patients and from the controls responded well to induction. However, the lymphocytes obtained from patients during the acute phase of Reye's syndrome responded very poorly and produced significantly less interferon.
Insights
Commercial emulsifiers like Toximul MP8 can weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to viral infections. This study found impaired interferon response in mice and children with Reye
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Polyoxyethylene ether-based emulsifiers are common environmental contaminants, particularly in pesticide-sprayed forest areas.
- These emulsifiers may impact immune function, potentially increasing vulnerability to viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of a commercial emulsifier (Toximul MP8) on viral lethality and interferon response in mice.
- To examine the interferon-producing capacity of lymphocytes from children with Reye's syndrome exposed to potential environmental emulsifiers.
Main Methods:
- Mice were injected with Toximul MP8 and subsequently infected with encephalomyocarditis virus.
- Lymphocyte cultures from mice and children (acute and convalescent Reye's syndrome patients, healthy controls) were stimulated to induce interferon production.
Main Results:
- Emulsifier-injected mice exhibited increased mortality from viral infection and a diminished interferon response compared to controls.
- Lymphocytes from mice exposed to the emulsifier showed poor interferon induction.
- Lymphocytes from children during the acute phase of Reye's syndrome produced significantly less interferon than those from convalescent patients and healthy controls.
Conclusions:
- Commercial emulsifiers may compromise the interferon response, enhancing viral disease severity.
- Impaired interferon production during the acute phase of Reye's syndrome suggests a potential link to environmental factors like emulsifiers.