Effect of surfactants present in drinking water on the immune activity of mice

The effect of some surfactants on the immune activity of mice was evaluated by determination of anti-sheep red blood cell (SRBC), plaque-forming cells (PFC), the intensity of anti-SRBC delayed type hypersensitivity, and PFC numbers to an autologous red blood cell antigen in the autoimmune response of mice drinking water containing surfactants. Depending on the substance used and on the duration of its administration, stimulation or inhibition of the immune response was revealed. The cell sensitive to Triton X-100 undergoing transformation or activation is the T cell. Possible mechanisms of interaction of the surfactants with the immunologically committed cells are discussed.