title: Chemical interactions and compromised immune system.
abstract: Only a limited number of reports are available on interactions between chemicals in relation to their effects in modifying immune functions. In many cases the exact site of chemical immunotoxicity is not well understood because immune functions are highly complex and multifaceted. Chemical interactions that have been proposed are difficult to investigate. In several cases the immunotoxicity of one chemical has been modified by a second chemical that alters xenobiotic metabolism. Immunomodulation by drugs having opposite effects on the immune system has been reported. Metals can either enhance or suppress immune responses and studies involving interactions of metals suggest both synergistic and antagonistic effects on immune responses. Various environmental chemicals that modify the immune functions may also interact with chemical carcinogens, especially since several carcinogens are also immunosuppressive.
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D001140:Aroclors / Q000494:pharmacology; D001554:Benzene / Q000633:toxicity; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D020111:Chlorodiphenyl (54% Chlorine); D007109:Immunity / Q000187:drug effects*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D008670:Metals / Q000494:pharmacology; D051379:Mice; D014752:Vinyl Chloride / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D001140:Aroclors; D002273:Carcinogens; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D008670:Metals; D020111:Chlorodiphenyl (54% Chlorine); D001554:Benzene; D014752:Vinyl Chloride