SELECTIVE IMMUNOSUPPRESSION RESULTING FROM EXPOSURE TO THE CARCINOGENIC CONGENER OF BENZOPYRENE IN B6C3F1 MICE

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 52  (1) , 199-206
Abstract
B6C3F1 mice were exposed to 2 congeners of benzopyrene, either the carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) or the non-carcinogen benzo(e)pyrene (B(e)P). Exposure of mice to B(a)P resulted in a reduced number of IgM and IgG antibody plaque forming cells (PFC) to the T-dependent (TD) antigen SRBC [sheep erythrocyte] and IgM PFC to the T-independent (TI) antigen LPS. The IGM response to hapten conjugated TI antigens was examined using TNP-LPS for reactivity of less mature B cells (B1) and TNP-Ficoll for more mature B cells (B2). Exposure to B(a)P severely depressed the TNP-Ficoll PFC response by up to 77% without altering the TNP-LPS response. Exposure to B(a)P alters differentiation and antibody production in mature B cells to both TD and B2 T1 antigens. No change in PFC was observed following exposure to B(e)P. Mishell-Dutton co-cultures confirmed that B cells were affected and that T helper cells or suppressor M.PHI. were not involved. Parameters of cell-mediated immunocompetence including delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity to KLH [keyhole limpet hemocyanin], allograft, or tumor cell rejection and susceptibility to Listeria monocytogenes were unaltered in B(a)P treated mice.