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Evidence for humoral immunodepression in NO/sub 2/-exposed mice: influence of food restriction and stress

Journal Article · · Environ. Res.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6065007
The effects of food restriction or 20 ppm NO/sub 2/ exposure on humoral immunity were investigated in normal and adrenalectomized C/sub 57/B1/6 mice. The thymic and splenic weights of sham-operated mice were similarly diminished after 4 days of NO/sub 2/ exposure or 4 days of food depletion. The responses of corresponding adrenalectomized mice were less depressed. Undernutrition induced lymphoid organ involution and corticosteroids were partly involved. Plaque-forming cells (PFC) per spleen and per 10/sup 6/ cells were markedly depressed after 4 days of NO/sub 2/ exposure, but less so after food deprivation. The same significant suppression of PFC was observed in adrenalectomized groups. Depression of humoral immunity was independent of stress-induced endogenous steroids. Moreover, NO/sub 2/ had a specific effect on humoral immunodepression, food restriction being an associated factor.
Research Organization:
INSERM, Paris, France
OSTI ID:
6065007
Journal Information:
Environ. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Res.; (United States) Vol. 42:2; ISSN ENVRA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English