Decreased T cell function in mice exposed to chronic, low levels of lead

The immune responsiveness of mice given low levels of lead acetate (1300 p.p.m.) in their drinking water for 8 weeks was determined. Mean percentages of splenic T and B lymphocytes in lead-exposed mice were slightly lower than in controls. Mean mitogen response to phytohaemmaglutinin and concanavalin A in mice exposed to lead was significantly decreased compared to controls. The response to lipopolysaccharide on the other hand was not significantly mitogenic response to phytohaemagglutinin and concanavalin A is impaired in mice exposed chronically to low concentrations of lead.