Effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF) on the immune system in guinea pigs.
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.
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
D001572:Benzofurans; D001798:Blood Proteins; D013936:Thymidine; D006854:Hydrocortisone; C014211:2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran