Effects of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF) on the Immune System in Guinea Pigs

Abstract
The effects of TCDF [2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzofuran] 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 .mu.g/kg body wt once weekly for 6 wk. Thymus/body wt 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.