Decreased T cell function in mice exposed to chronic, low levels of lead.
The immune responsiveness of mice given low levels of lead acetate (1300 p.p.m.) in their drinking water for 8 weeks was determined. Mean percentages of splenic T and B lymphocytes in lead-exposed mice were slightly lower than in controls. Mean mitogen response to phytohaemmaglutinin and concanavalin A in mice exposed to lead was significantly decreased compared to controls. The response to lipopolysaccharide on the other hand was not significantly mitogenic response to phytohaemagglutinin and concanavalin A is impaired in mice exposed chronically to low concentrations of lead.
D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D007854:Lead / Q000633:toxicity*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008934:Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*
D008934:Mitogens; D007854:Lead