US EPA

2203482 

Book/Book Chapter 

Immunotoxicology of dioxins and related chemicals 

Kerkvliet, NI 

1994 

Springer 

New York, NY 

Dioxins and health 

199-225 

English 

10.1007/978-1-4899-1462-0_7 

BCI:BCI199598434934 

is a chapter of 2206103 Dioxins and health

Concern over the potential toxic effects of chemicals on the immune system arises from the critical role that the immune system plays in maintaining health. It is widely recognized that suppressed immunological function can result in increased incidence and severity of infectious diseases as well as some types of cancer. This is poignantly illustrated by the opportunistic infections and Kaposi’s sarcoma that occur with great frequency in AIDS patients. Life-threatening infections and secondary cancers are also associated with immunosuppressive drug therapies used in transplant recipients and cancer patients. On the other hand, the inappropriate induction or enhancement of immune function can precipitate or exacerbate the development of allergic and autoimmune diseases. Chemical-induced allergies or autoimmunity are recognized side effects of some drugs such as penicillin, sulfa, penicillamine, and hydralazine. Thus, suppression as well as enhancement of immune function are considered to represent potential immunotoxic effects of chemicals. 

Schecter, A 

9781489914644