Acrylamide induced immunosuppression in rats and its modulation by 6-MFA, an interferon inducer

In the present communication, we describe acrylamide (ACR) induced immunotoxicity and its modulation by an interferon inducer, the 6th mycelial fraction acetone (6-MFA) of Aspergillus ochraceus ATCC 28706. ACR administration to rats produced a significant decrease in the weight of spleen (p < 0.001), thymus (p < 0.001) and mesenteric lymph nodes (p < 0.05). A decrease in cellularity of spleen (p < 0.001), thymus (p < 0.001), bone marrow (p < 0.001) and circulating blood lymphocyte population (p < 0.001) was also recorded. ACR suppressed the humoral as well as cell mediated immunity as assessed by erythrocyte antibody complement (EAC)-rosettes (p < 0.001), hemagglutination titre (p < 0.001), PFC (p < 0.001) and the delayed type hypersensitivity response against sheep red blood cells (SRBC, p < 0.001). ACR treated immunosuppressed rats when treated with 6-MFA restored the circulating lymphocyte number to the normal level and a partial recovery in the weight of spleen and thymus. Potentiation of EAC-rosettes, hemagglutination titre, IgM-PFC and DTH response against SRBC was observed. It is concluded that 6-MFA ameliorate the ACR induced toxicity. This study may be of significance in prevention of ACR toxicity.