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The effect of diesel (DE) exposure in utero on reproductive and developmental immunotoxicity
Citation:
Sharkhuu, T., W. P. LINAK, R. W. LUEBKE, AND M. I. GILMOUR. The effect of diesel (DE) exposure in utero on reproductive and developmental immunotoxicity . Presented at American Thoracic Society 2008 International Conference, Toronto, ON, CANADA, May 16 - 21, 2008.
Impact/Purpose:
The purpose of the research is to assess the developmental reproductive and pulmonary toxicity subsequent to in utero diesel exposure. In addition, we will study the effect of diesel exposure during pregnancy with relation of other potential immune mediated diseases.
Description:
Epidemiology studies are beginning to show that in utero exposure to traffic related pollutants might increase the incidence of immune mediated lung diseases. Time pregnant BALB/c mice were exposed to air or two concentrations of diesel exhaust (0.5 and 2 mg/m3) for 4 hrs per day from gestation day (GD)-9 to GD-19. The offspring were examined for immune function and pulmonary inflammation at postnatal day 42. Inhalation of DE during pregnancy induced 28-36% abortion and fetal death in utero. No weight loss was observed in offspring born from either diesel exposure groups compared with air controls. A significant increase in total protein and albumin levels and lymphocytes was noted in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of the male offspring born from mothers exposed to DE. In addition, elevated levels of CD4+ and CD8+ and reduced numbers of CD25+ and CD4+CD25+ subsets were seen in the spleens of male offspring compared to those born from air-exposed dams. Diesel exposure at 2mg/m3 concentration also increased delayed type hypersensitivity responses to bovine serum albumin in the male but not in the female offspring. Collectively, the observations suggest that inhaled DE in utero enhances immune responsiveness and aggravates airway inflammation in male offspring which could encourage development of airway diseases. The results also illustrate the need to assess gender specific effects of this type of study.