Effects of Pesticides on the Immune Response

摘要

The influence of various pesticides on the humoral and cellular immune response to fluorescein labeled ovalbumin has been analyzed. Pesticides (Aroclor 1260, Dinoseb, Parathion, pentachloronitrobenzene, piperonyl butoxide, mixed pyrethrins and Resmethrin) were administered intragastrically in corn oil in one dose (one half of LD50) before primary immunization. Control groups included those treated with corn oil alone or immunosuppressed with Methotrexate. Booster immunizations and test bleedings were scheduled at weekly intervals thereafter. The cellular immune response was quantified by redness and swelling, histological examination and by differential temperature measurements of the foot pads after antigen challenge. The concentration, binding affinity and heterogeneity of the serum antibody were determined by fluoroscience polarization measurements. Dinoseb and Parathion depress both the humoral and cellular response. Methotrexate and pentachloronitrobenzene give a late stimulation, while Resmethrin an early, sometimes very marked stimulation of the cellular immune response. Other pesticides showed little or no effect under the conditions tested. Effects on the humoral response were limited to changes in antibody concentration, the binding affinity being nearly constant in all instances.