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Effects of 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachloroazoxybenzene on selected immune parameters of the mouse

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Abstract

The effects of 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachloroazoxy-benzene (TCAOB) on the immune system of mice was examined and compared with cyclophosphamide (CY). This chemical can be produced as a result of microbial degradation of commonly used chloroaniline herbicides. Herbicides of the acylan-iline class generally have a low mammalian toxicity while remaining relatively inexpensive. Therefore, TCAOB could be formed anywhere in the environment where choroaniline pesticides are used. TCAOB treatment caused thymic atrophy and a decrease in white blood cell (WBC) count after sheep red blood cell (SRBC) immunization. A decline in the number of Lyt-1+ cells (T-helper lymphocytes) was seen in all TCAOB animals, with unimmunized mice also showing a decreased number of Lyt-2.2+ cells (T-suppressor lymphocytes). No change was found in the ratio of these two cell types. TCAOB did, however, result in a severe reduction in the number of plaque-forming-cells (PFCs) and in serum antibody concentration. CY caused a decrease in thymus weight, WBC count, the number of cells recovered per spleen, and the relative percentages of Lyt-l+ and Lyt-2.2+ cells recovered. The mice exhibited a lower lymphocyte blastogenic response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) than control animals, but no change in Concanavalin A (Con-A) responsiveness. CY also resulted in a severe drop in the number of PFCs and the quantity of antibody produced following SRBC immunization.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, 48824, East Lansing, Michigan

    John R. Hochstein

  2. Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin, 309 Infirmary, 53706, Madison, Wisconsin

    Michael R. Bleavins Ph.D., Ronald D. Hinsdill & M. T. Stephen Hsia

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  1. Michael R. Bleavins Ph.D.
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  2. Ronald D. Hinsdill
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  3. John R. Hochstein
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  4. M. T. Stephen Hsia
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Bleavins, M.R., Hinsdill, R.D., Hochstein, J.R. et al. Effects of 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachloroazoxybenzene on selected immune parameters of the mouse. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 14, 669–676 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01055773

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01055773

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