Effect of ammonium metavanadate on the murine immune response

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Abstract
Female B 6 C 3 F 1 mice were exposed to ammonium metavanadate (NH 4 VO 3 ) by intra‐peritoneal injection every 3 d at 2.5, 5.0, or 10 mg V/kg for 3, 6, or 9 w and were then assayed for alterations in immunoresponsiveness. Resistance to Escherichia coli en‐dotoxin lethality increased in a dose‐dependent manner up to 6 w of exposure, while resistance to viable gram‐positive Listeria lethality was depressed in a dose‐dependent manner. Comparison of LD20 values indicated a 250‐fold decrease in resistance to Listeria at the lowest vanadium exposure and a 40% increase in resistance to endo‐toxin after the highest vanadium exposure. Peritoneal macrophage phagocytic capacities were decreased in a dose‐dependent manner, but viabilities remained unaffected. Rosetting capacity of splenic lymphocytes was increased following vanadium exposure. Liver and splenic enlargement was observed, and examination of splenic tissue indicated enhanced formation of megakaryocytes and red blood cell precursors. Subchronic exposure to vanadium may thus disrupt the normal function of the immune system.