Suppression of immune functions by PCBs in the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris

Thesis/Dissertation · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:7061945

Rodriquez Grau, J L

This research is part of an effort to develop non-mammalian surrogate immunoassays with the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris to assess immunotoxic potential of xenobiotics to mammals. The objective was to determine if earthworm immunoassays, namely E- and S-rosette formation and phagocytosis, are sensitive to a known mammalian immunotoxin, the PCB Aroclor 1254. Results are presented in terms of PCB exposure and tissue levels during uptake/depuration. Using 5-d filter paper contact exposure, LC{sub 50} and LD{sub 50} were 300 {mu}g/cm{sup 2} and 1140 {mu}g/g dry mass. Nominal PCB exposure concentration of 5 {mu}g/cm{sup 2} and actual tissue levels of 76 {mu}g/g dry mass were sufficient to suppress S-rosette formation, a humoral response. S-rosette suppression and return of function followed PCB levels in coelomic leukocytes, the presumed site of toxicity. Phagocytic response also showed suppressive effects but only at a nominal PCB exposure level of 10 {mu}g/cm{sup 2}, which corresponds to an actual tissue level of 185 {mu}g/g dry mass. However, PCbs had no effect on E-rosette formation with rabbit red blood cells, a component of immunity associated with surface receptor molecules. Compared to published mammalian data on PCB suppression of immunoglobulin production, the earthworm S-rosette immunoassay appeared to be more sensitive.

• Research Organization: University of North Texas, Denton, TX (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7061945
• 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
ANNELIDS
AROMATICS
BIOASSAY
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
BLOOD
BLOOD CELLS
BODY
BODY FLUIDS
HYDROCARBONS
IMMUNOASSAY
IMMUNOSUPPRESSION
INVERTEBRATES
LEUKOCYTES
MATERIALS
METABOLISM
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PHAGOCYTOSIS
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
RETICULOENDOTHELIAL SYSTEM
SENSITIVITY
TISSUES
TOXICITY