Abstract |
Immune system function for rats and hamsters is described, and normal values are given for T-cell exp 3 H-uridine uptake, phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A-induced lymphocyte mutagenesis in vitro with and without 2-mercaptoethanol addition to the cultures, histologic evaluation of phytohemagglutinin skin testing, T-lymphocyte-dependent cytotoxicity, B-lymphocyte erythrocyte-antibody-complement formation, and B-lymphocyte globulin production mediated hemolytic plaque production. Also included are erythrocyte-antibody-complement rosette values for blood lymphocytes from thymectomized hamsters. A pilot study is described in which Syrian hamsters were exposed to aerosolized spent oil shale (33 mg/l respirable mass) 4.5 h a day, 4 days a wk, for 6 wk. Total white blood cell counts, differential white blood cell counts, red blood cell counts, hematocrits, and hemoglobin determinations in experimental animals did not differ significantly from those of control animals. (ERA citation 02:027572) |