Objective
To study the effects of perchlorate on immune function of rats, and understand the immune toxicity of perchlorate.
Methods
Thirty-six healthy Wistar rats (180-200 g) were randomly divided into six groups. Perchlorate was administered by gavage at 4.50, 22.00, 110.00, and 560.00 mg/kg (in terms of body weight), respectively. Distilled water was used as negative control, and cyclophosphamide was used as positive control (intraperitoneal injection). After exposure to perchlorate for continuous 5 d (once a day) and observation for 2 d, rat tail vein blood was collected on the 7th day, and body weight and organ weights were measured to calculate organ coefficients. White blood cell counts and differential counts were calculated by test-tube method. Concentrations of T lym phocyte subset indices (CD4+ and CD8+) and cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10) were detected by ELISA, and CD4+/CD8+ was also calculated.
Results
Compared with the negative control group, the rat thymus coefficient and spleen coefficient in the perchlorate groups (except the 4.50 mg/kg group) decreased significantly (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) and especially in the 560.00 mg/kg group, as well as in the positive control group (P < 0.01). Compared with the negative control group, neutrophils increased significantly in the groups administered with 22.00 mg/kg perchlorate and above (P < 0.01); the concentrations of CD4+ decreased significantly in the 110.00 mg/kg group and 560.00 mg/kg group; IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly decreased in the groups administered with 22.00 mg/kg perchlorate and above (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).
Conclusion
Perchlorate may suppress immune function of rats.
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