Immunological alterations and chemical exposure

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · Journal of Toxicology, Clinical Toxicology; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.3109/15563658909000354· OSTI ID:6919148

Sullivan, Jr, J B ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson (USA)

The complex nature of the immune system with its multiple humoral and cellular components makes it an easy target for many drugs and chemicals. Immunotoxicology is defined as an adverse response of the immune system to a chemical or drug which may result in disease such as autoimmunity, immune suppression, allergy or other hypersensitivity states. Occasionally, immune enhancement is the end result. Because many of the immune system's cellular and humoral components can be isolated and studied in vitro, assays have been developed to study the immunotoxic effects of chemicals. Further refinement of these in vitro studies is required along with clinical investigations into the effects of chemicals on the immune system of humans. Extrapolating from the animal data to human effects has proven to be unsuccessful in many circumstances. Further definition and study of immunotoxic responses as contrasted with normal immune responses to neo-antigens are required to investigate actual disease causation. 67 references.

• OSTI ID: 6919148
• Journal Information: Journal of Toxicology, Clinical Toxicology; (USA), Journal Name: Journal of Toxicology, Clinical Toxicology; (USA) Vol. 27:6; ISSN JTCTD; ISSN 0731-3810
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMAL TISSUES
ANIMALS
ANTIBODY FORMATION
BODY
DISEASES
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
IMMUNE SYSTEM DISEASES
MAMMALS
MAN
PRIMATES
RETICULOENDOTHELIAL SYSTEM
REVIEWS
SENSITIVITY
TISSUES
TOXICITY
VERTEBRATES
XENOBIOTICS