Immunosuppressant activity of aflatoxin ingestion in rabbits measured by response to Mycobacterium bovis antigen I. Cell mediated immune response measured by skin test reaction.
Thirty New Zealand 2-mo-old rabbits were divided into 5 groups. Groups 1 and 2 were fed 2 ppm aflatoxin B1 daily for 5 w before sensitization and continued for another 7 w. Groups 1 and 3 were infected with Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin while groups 2 and 4 were sensitized with killed cells of Mycobacterium bovis. Group 5 did not receive any treatment (control). Citrated whole blood samples were collected from all groups before treatment and at 5, 8 and 12 w during the experiment. The lymphoblastogensis assay was done presensitization and at 3 and 7 w post-sensitization for all groups. The lymphocyte stimulation indices and diameter of skin reactions were significantly reduced in the aflatoxin-treated groups (P < 0.001). In addition, 3/12 rabbits (25%) from the aflatoxin groups (groups 1 and 2) failed to produce any detectable response to the tuberculin test. Aflatoxin inhibited lymphocyte proliferation and negatively influenced the tuberculin skin test.
Veterinary Serum and Vaccine Research Institute, Cairo, AR Egypt.
R A
RA
Dimitri
M A
MA
Gabal
D000284:Administration, Oral; D016604:Aflatoxin B1 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000633:toxicity*; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed / Q000276:immunology*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D009163:Mycobacterium bovis / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D011817:Rabbits; D012882:Skin Tests; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D002273:Carcinogens; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016604:Aflatoxin B1