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Effects on rat lung immunity by acute lung exposure to benzo(a)pyrene

Journal Article · · Arch. Environ. Health; (United States)

This study describes the effect of intratracheal instillation of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) on immunological responses in the lung-associated lymph nodes, cervical lymph nodes, and spleen after deposition of 10/sup 8/ sheep red blood cells (SRCB) in the lung or peritoneal cavity of rats. An increased number of anti-SRBC antibody-forming cells was observed in the lung-assoicated lymph nodes when rats were immunized simultaneously with BaP instillation. A suppression in the number of anti-SRBC antibody-forming cells occurred when SRBC were given intratracheally 4 or 7 days after BaP. The effects of the BaP appeared to be on the function of the cells in the lung-associated lymph nodes rather than due to changes in the exposed lung. BaP-induced changes in antigen handling or in regulatory populations of immune cells in the lung-associated lymph nodes may be responsible for the immune alterations observed.

DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76EV01013
OSTI ID:
6425311
Journal Information:
Arch. Environ. Health; (United States), Journal Name: Arch. Environ. Health; (United States) Vol. 37:4; ISSN AEHLA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English