Immunotoxicology of JP-8 Jet Fuel
Abstract
We have examined the immunotoxicological effects of JP-8 jet fuel exposure. Inbred C57BL6 mice were exposed to varying concentration (100-250 mg/m3) of aerosolized JP-8 jet fuel varying periods of time, using a variety of experimental models. Animal exposure was performed via nose-only presentation while the animals were held in individual subject loading tubes. The tubes were nose cone fitted to receiving adapters that originated from a common anodized aluminum exposure chamber. Nose only exposure was utilized to minimize ingestion of jet fuel during self-grooming, and to simulate human occupational exposures. Animals were rotated on a daily basis through the 12 adapter positions on the exposure chamber. This rotation was done to minimize proximity to the jet fuel source as a variable in exposure concentration or composition. Exposure concentration was determined by a seven-stage cascade impactor, and was measured after each exposure (1,2). At various times after the jet fuel exposures the animals were sacrificed and examined for changes in immune system composition and function. The major immune system organ systems (i.e., spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, blood and bone marrow) were recovered and examined for changes in organ weight, total cell numbers, immune cell components (by differential histochemical staining), and lymphocyte subpopulations by flow cytometric analyses. Assays were also performed to assess any changes in immune function in these organs. In some experiments the animals were administered an aerosolized concentration of the neuropeptide substance P (SP) in an effort to protect from or reverse the effects of JP-8 exposure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 29, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA426816
Entities
People
- David T. Harris
Organizations
- University of Arizona