US EPA

63248 

Journal Article 

Polychlorinated biphenyl and hexachlorobenzene induced humoral immunosuppression 

Loose, LD; Pittman, KA; Benitz, K-F; Silkworth, JB 

1977 

Yes 

Journal of the Reticuloendothelial Society
ISSN: 0033-6890 

PESTAB/78/0367 

22 

3 

253-271 

English 

411925 

WOS:A1977DZ96300011 

is related to other part(s) 2210250 Polychlorinated biphenyls and hexachlorobenzene induced humoral immunosuppression

Studies were conducted to evaluate the influence of dietary ingestion of PCB (or HCB) on antibody (Ab) production and immunoglobulin concentrations. Male Balb/c mice used in the experiments were fed food and water ad libitum, with 167 ppm Arochlor 1242 or HCB in the food. Analyses of tissue levels of the chemicals and histopathology of select lymphoid tissues and reticuloendothelial organs were made concurrently with measurements of immunologic parameters to relate tissue concentration and morphology to functionality. After six weeks, a 2-fold reduction in peak primary splenic Ab PFC (plaque-forming cells) in response to SRBC was noted, but there was no delay in response time. All Ig levels measured in the primary response were decreased; serum IgA levels were consistently 40 to 80 mg/dl lower than control values, and serum IgA was more profoundly reduced in HCB than in PCB treated mice. During secondary challenge with SRBC 2 wk after the primary challenge control mice elicited a maximum response of 133 PFC/106 spleen cells versus 52 PFC/106 in PCB treated mice and 79 PFC/106 in HCB treated mice. These data clarify the immunosuppressive effect of PCB and HCB in mice; it remains to be established whether functional change in the lymphoid and reticuloendothelial organs is a more sensitive indicator of toxicity than pathologic alteration.