Impact of developmental lead exposure on splenic factors

Kasten-Jolly, J; Heo, Y; Lawrence, DA

HERO ID

644234

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2010

Language

English

PMID

20542052

HERO ID 644234
In Press No
Year 2010
Title Impact of developmental lead exposure on splenic factors
Authors Kasten-Jolly, J; Heo, Y; Lawrence, DA
Journal Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology
Volume 247
Issue 2
Page Numbers 105-115
Abstract Lead (Pb) is known to alter the functions of numerous organ systems, including the hematopoietic and immune systems. Pb can induce anemia and can lower host resistance to bacterial and viral infections. The anemia is due to Pb's inhibition of hemoglobin synthesis and Pb's induction of membrane changes, leading to early erythrocyte senescence. Pb also increases B-cell activation/proliferation and skews T-cell help (Th) toward Th2 subset generation. The specific mechanisms for many of the Pb effects are, as yet, not completely understood. Therefore, we performed gene expression analysis, via microarray, on RNA from the spleens of developmentally Pb-exposed mice, in order to gain further insight into these Pb effects. Splenic RNA microarray analysis indicated strong up-regulation of genes coding for proteolytic enzymes, lipases, amylase, and RNaseA. The data also showed that Pb affected the expression of many genes associated with innate immunity. Analysis of the microarray results via GeneSifter software indicated that Pb increased apoptosis, B-cell differentiation, and Th2 development. Direct up-regulation by Pb of expression of the gene encoding the heme-regulated inhibitor (HRI) suggested that Pb can decrease erythropoiesis by blocking globin mRNA translation. Pb's high elevation of digestive/catabolizing enzymes could generate immunogenic self peptides. With Pb's potential to induce new self-peptides and to enhance the expression of caspases, cytokines, and other immunomodulators, further evaluation of Pb's involvement in autoimmune phenomena, especially Th2-mediated autoantibody production, and alteration of organ system activities is warranted.
Doi 10.1016/j.taap.2010.06.003
Pmid 20542052
Wosid WOS:000280903000006
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English