Effect of lead on macrophage function.
Lead (Pb) has been shown to alter various parameters of immune function such as host resistance and antibody formation. In addition, various heavy metals have been implicated as inducers of autoimmunity. In these experiments, macrophages, isolated from the peritoneal cavity of mice exposed to various doses of lead in vivo as well as cells exposed in vitro were tested for the following immunologic parameters: phagocytosis, antigen presentation, interleukin 1 production, and their ability to stimulate the autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction (AMLR). The results obtained indicate that Pb appears to alter the ability of macrophages to present antigen by enhancing the AMLR while having no effect on phagocytosis or IL-1 production. These data suggest that Pb may interfere with antigen-specific interactions between macrophages and T cells.
Kowolenko
M
M
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albany Medical College of Union University, New York.
Tracy
L
L
Mudzinski
S
S
Lawrence
D A
DA
D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000187:drug effects*; D001324:Autoantigens / Q000276:immunology*; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007854:Lead / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008087:Listeria / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D007959:Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects*; D051379:Mice; D008808:Mice, Inbred CBA; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000187:drug effects
D001324:Autoantigens; D007375:Interleukin-1; D007854:Lead