title: Effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF) on the immune system in guinea pigs.
abstract: The effects of TCDF exposure on the immune system were investigated in Hartley guinea pigs. TCDF was administered by gavage at doses of 0.05, 0.17, 0.5 or 1.0 microgram/kg body weight once weekly for six weeks. Thymus/body weight ratios were suppressed in the higher dosage groups. Parameters of cell-mediated and humoral immune function were investigated. TCDF modestly suppressed cell-mediated immune function and had slight effects on humoral-mediated functions. TCDF immunosuppression appears similar to that induced following exposure to TCDD.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000187:drug effects; D001572:Benzofurans / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007109:Immunity / Q000187:drug effects*; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D013936:Thymidine / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001572:Benzofurans; D001798:Blood Proteins; D013936:Thymidine; D006854:Hydrocortisone; C014211:2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran