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Alteration of in vitro immunoglobulin secretion by amosite asbestos
Abstract:
We investigated the in vitro effects of amosite asbestos on immunoglobulin (Ig) secretion by human peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (MNL). Concentrations of 100 to 300 micrograms/ml of amosite asbestos reduced the number of Ig-secreting cells recovered from 6-day cultures of unstimulated MNL or MNL stimulated with Epstein Barr virus. By contrast, the Ig secretory response to pokeweed mitogen was enhanced by 10 to 100 micrograms/ml concentrations of amosite asbestos; however, amosite asbestos no longer enhanced the response to pokeweed mitogen when MNL were first partially depleted of monocytes (to less than 2%) esterase-positive cells remaining). These results indicate that amosite asbestos has multiple effects on the cells involved in Ig secretion: 1) amosite asbestos inhibits unstimulated B cell function; 2) amosite asbestos inhibits the function of B cells stimulated with the direct B cell activator Epstein Barr virus; and 3) amosite asbestos may alter regulator monocyte function allowing enhanced Ig secretion in the presence of monocyte-dependent B cell triggers such as pokeweed mitogen.
Insights
Amosite asbestos exposure impacts human immune cells, affecting immunoglobulin secretion. It inhibits B cell function but can enhance responses when monocytes are present, indicating complex immune interactions.
Area of Science:
- Immunotoxicology
- Cellular Immunology
- Asbestos Research
Background:
- Immunoglobulin (Ig) secretion is crucial for adaptive immunity.
- Human peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (MNL) orchestrate immune responses.
- Asbestos exposure is linked to various health issues, including immune dysregulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of amosite asbestos on Ig secretion by human MNL.
- To elucidate the dose-dependent and cell-specific impacts of amosite asbestos on immune cells.
Main Methods:
- Culturing human peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (MNL).
- Stimulating MNL with Epstein Barr virus and pokeweed mitogen.
- Exposing MNL to varying concentrations of amosite asbestos (10-300 µg/ml).
- Assessing Ig-secreting cells and monocyte populations via esterase staining.
Main Results:
- Amosite asbestos (100-300 µg/ml) reduced Ig-secreting cells in unstimulated and Epstein Barr virus-stimulated MNL.
- Low-dose amosite asbestos (10-100 µg/ml) enhanced Ig secretion in response to pokeweed mitogen.
- This enhancement was abolished when monocytes were depleted, suggesting a monocyte-dependent mechanism.
Conclusions:
- Amosite asbestos exhibits multifaceted effects on B cell function and Ig secretion.
- It inhibits both unstimulated and directly activated B cell responses.
- Amosite asbestos can modulate monocyte function, leading to altered B cell activation by T cell-dependent stimuli.