Mechanisms of Chemical Modulation and Toxicity of the Immune System

Abstract

The final three and a half years of our research with 1,1- dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) have focused on delineating the mechanisms of UDMH- induced immunomodulation. Actions of UDMH which could correlate with its immunoenhancement effects include: 1.) Interference with interleukin 2 (IL2) activity by suppression of IL2 receptor expression; 2.) Nonspecific stimulation of intracellular ionized calcium levels in lymphocytes; 3.) Interference with activated macrophage suppressive effects (as evidenced by reversal of Corynbacterium parvum-induced immunosuppression, as well as interference with chemiluminescence and prostaglandin E2 production). Other mechanisms for the immunomodulatory effects of UDMH which were ruled out include: 1.) UDMH does not interfere with the production or activity of hydrogen peroxide, a 'normal' endogenous immunosuppressant; 2.) UDMH does not alter the absolute or relative numbers of the T-lymphocyte subsets L3T4 (helper cells), Lyt-2 (suppressor/ cytotoxic cells), or Thy1.2 (all T cells); 3.) Ia antigen (immune response antigen) expression is also not affected by UDMH. One other effect of UDMH is suppression of interleukin 1 (IL1) activity by interfering with IL1 receptor expression. We are still investigating the effects on lymphocyte membrane potential and on the production and activity of Soluble Immune Response Suppressor (SIRS).

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 15, 1989
Accession Number
ADA217783

Entities

People

  • Melinda J. Tarr

Organizations

  • Ohio State University

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Antigens
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Cell Membrane
  • Cells
  • Cellular Structures
  • Immune System
  • Lymphatic System
  • Lymphocytes
  • Macrophages
  • Medical Personnel
  • Rocket Oxidizers
  • T Lymphocytes
  • Thymocytes

Fields of Study

  • Biology
  • Medicine

Readers

  • Immunology
  • Underwater engineering and Marine Technology.