Antinuclear Antibodies in Mice Exposed to Pesticides

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine if pesticides induce antinuclear antibodies in mice. For the purposes of this study groups of nine SJL mice received one of four commercially formulated pesticides (Dieldrin, Malathion, 2,4D or Aldicarb) orally at concentrations of 10%, 25%, and 50% of the respective 50% lethal doses (LD50). Sera obtained prior to and after exposure were assayed for the presence of antibodies to nuclear constituents of HEp-2 cells, a human epithelioid carcinoma cell line, by indirect immunofluorescence. The results of this study showed that antinuclear antibodies occurred significantly more frequently in mice exposed to Malathion as compared to those exposed to other pesticides and to unexposed control animals. The results of this study show that Malathion induces antinuclear antibodies in SJL mice significantly more frequently than do other pesticides and significantly more frequently than occurs spontaneously in unexposed control animals. The SJL mouse strain can serve as an animal model to explore further the immunopathogenic potential of pesticides in general and the induction of antinuclear antibodies and autoimmune disease in particular.

Full article can be found in: Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health
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