Inhalation exposure to methylene chloride does not induce systemic immunotoxicity in rats

Warbrick, E.V.; Kilgour, J.D.; Dearman, R.J.; Kimber, I; Dugard, P.H.

HERO ID

732101

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2003

Language

English

PMID

12851119

HERO ID 732101
In Press No
Year 2003
Title Inhalation exposure to methylene chloride does not induce systemic immunotoxicity in rats
Authors Warbrick, E.V.; Kilgour, J.D.; Dearman, R.J.; Kimber, I; Dugard, P.H.
Journal Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A: Current Issues
Volume 66
Issue 13
Page Numbers 1207-1219
Abstract Methylene chloride (dichloromethane) is used in a variety of industrial applications. To date, there has been no formal assessment of immunotoxicity attributed to methylene chloride. Studies were undertaken to examine whether methylene chloride has any potential to influence the integrity of immune function. For this purpose, Sprague-Dawley rats of both genders were exposed by inhalation to a single high dose (5000 ppm) of methylene chloride for 6 h/d, 5 d/wk for 28 d. This was considered the relevant route of administration, as not only is inhalation a primary route for human exposure to methylene chloride, but, also, the chemical is absorbed rapidly via the lungs. Under these conditions of exposure, methylene chloride failed to influence absolute or relative thymus weights in either gender and produced a significant reduction in relative, but not absolute, spleen weight in female rats only. Immunocompetence was measured as a function of the ability of treated animals to mount immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody responses to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Exposure to methylene chloride did not affect antibody production. Evidence indicates that under these conditions of exposure, methylene chloride did not compromise immune function.
Doi 10.1080/15287390306410
Pmid 12851119
Wosid WOS:000183976400002
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English