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5203090 
Journal Article 
Abstract 
Influence of Endosulfan on Allergic Response in Mouse 
Nishimoto, S; Atobe, S; Okabe, M; Akiyama, K; Kakinuma, Y; Sugahara, T 
2010 
Yes 
Journal of Biotechnology
ISSN: 0168-1656
EISSN: 1873-4863 
150 
Supplement 
S450 
English 
WOS:000288873401831 
Many scientists have strong interest in studying the effects of agricultural chemicals on our health. We focused on endosulfan, one of the agricultural chemicals, because the chemical was listed as new POPs candidates in 2005 (Stockholm Convention in 2005 “New POPs”). There are many reports concerning the poisonous effects of endosulfan on reproductive organs (Naqvi and Vaishnavi, 1993). However, there are only few reports on evaluation of immune toxicity of endosulfan. Hence, we investigated the effect of β-endosulfan (one of the isomers) on immune system, especially allergy response.

β-endosulfan was orally administrated to ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged allergy mice for 27 days. Blood and spleen were collected on day 28, and spleen lymphocytes were isolated and cultured for 48 h. OVA-specific Ig levels and cytokine levels in serum and culture supernatant of spleen lymphocytes were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effect of β-endosulfan on allergen-induced degranulation by rat basophilic leukemia cell line RBL-2H3 cells was examined.

Oral administration of β-endosulfan increased OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 levels in serum. β-endosulfan also enhanced interleukin (IL)-4 level in serum, and IL-4 production by spleen lymphocytes. IL-4 is a cytokine inducing IgE production by B cells. On the other hand, interferon (IFN)-γ level in serum was not affected by intake of β-endosulfan. Allergy response is potentiated by imbalance between helper T sub-populations, Th1 and Th2 (Abbas et al., 1996). β-endosulfan activated IL-4-producing Th2 cells. This suggests that β-endosulfan inclines Th balance toward Th2 dominance, and allergy response is facilitated by imbalance of Th1/Th2. In addition, β-endosulfan activated degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells. This result means that β-endosulfan exaggerates allergy symptoms mediated by histamine and leukotriene in granules. Our findings suggest that intake of β-endosulfan is a serious risk for our health. 
Endosulfan; Allergy; Immune response; Cytokine