DEPRESSION OF HUMORAL IMMUNITY IN RATS FOLLOWING CHRONIC DEVELOPMENTAL LEAD-EXPOSURE

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 1  (4) , 397-402
Abstract
Chronic pre- and post-natal exposure of CD rats to low levels of Pb resulted in a marked depression in the antibody [Ab] response to SRBC [sheep red blood cells] and decreased serum Ig[immunoglobulin]G levels. Serum IgM and IgA levels were normal. The fact that the Ab response to LPS [lipopolysaccharide], a thymus independent antigen, was not altered suggested that the T[thymus-derived]-lymphocyte rather than the B[bone marrow-derived]-lymphocyte is affected by Pb exposure. Additional significance is lent to these results when blood lead levels in treated rats were similar to levels found in many children in urban areas.

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