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5770811 
Journal Article 
Immunomodulation in progeny from thymectomized primiparous mice exposed to benzo(a)pyrene during mid-pregnancy 
Wolisi, G; Majekodunmi, J; Urso, P 
1994 
Yes 
FASEB Journal
ISSN: 0892-6638
EISSN: 1530-6860 
4 
English 
To understand how maternal cellular and humoral factors influence embryonic development of progeny immunity, females were thymectomized (Tx) at 5-7 weeks, mated, and injected with 150 ug benzo(a)pyrene (BP)/g body weight at 12 days of pregnancy. BP given to non-thymectomized (NTx) females alters expression of T cell subsets and suppresses cell mediated immunity (CMI) and humoral immunity (HI). Parallel mother-fetal changes occur in Lyt 2+ cells. Thus, maternal exposure to BP may influence changes in progeny immune status. After BP exposure, the studies in progeny from Tx and NTx females include: A. Maternal reproductive capacity and survival rate of progeny. B. Detection of T cells in the thymus and spleen by serology with monoclonal antibodies (Mab). C. Functional characteristics of thymus or spleen for CMI or HI. Thymectomy had little influence on maternal reproduction but decreased progeny survival. Cytotoxicity with Mab anti-thyl + complement occurred at a higher dilution of Mab in progeny from Tx mothers exposed to BP, suggesting that BP-thymectomy lead to fragility of developing thymus cells. Progeny from Tx mothers exposed to BP enhanced thymic CMI, but suppressed splenic CMI and HI. Thus, thymectomy prevents CMI immunosuppression, while HI is still suppressed. This suggests that: (a) the thymus is necessary for incurring the effect of BP on progeny CMI but not on HI; (b) a possible influence of thymectomy on T-helper (Th1) cells and a non-thymic effect on T-helper 2 (Th2) cells.