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Mitogen stimulation of lymphocytes in CBA mice exposed to lead and cadmium

Journal Article · · Environ. Res.; (United States)

CBA mice were exposed to lead acetate or cadmium chloride in drinking water for 10 weeks. Selected groups of these animals were also injected with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) during exposure of the metals. The ability of mitogens concanavalin A (Con A) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as well as purified protein derivative (PPD) to induce proliferation of splenic lymphocytes was assessed. In general, lead tended to inhibit lymphocyte proliferation by LPS and PPD while cadmium potentiated blastogenesis by the mitogens. The two larger doses of cadmium, 30 and 300 ppM, resulted in intense proliferation which was significant (P < 0.05) for the non-BCG, 300-ppM cadmium group. However, 3 ppM cadmium reduced the lymphocyte response to LPS and PPD which was significant (P < 0.05) for the non-BCG-injected mice. Lead and cadmium did not significantly affect the response of lymphocyte proliferation by Con A. Group variation and interpretation of data are discussed.

Research Organization:
Oregon State Univ., Corvallis
OSTI ID:
5406720
Journal Information:
Environ. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Res.; (United States) Vol. 19:1; ISSN ENVRA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English