Neuroimmune Effects of Inhaling a Low Dose Sarin
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system communicate bidirectionally, and cholinergic agents modulate the immune system. Organophosphates, such as the nerve gas sarin, are powerful irreversible inhibitors of ChE, leading to neurotoxicity, seizures, and death. Because of the ease and low cost of production, sarin gas is a tool of mass destruction in the hands of terrorist groups and rogue nations. While people in the immediate vicinity of sarin attack may receive neurotoxic doses, people away from this area are likely to receive subclinical exposures. Even subclinical doses of sarin cause subtle changes in the brain, and subclinical exposure to sarin have been proposed as an etiology to the Gulf War Syndrome. Our preliminary experiments suggest that low doses of sarin are highly immunosuppressive, and suppress glucocorticoid production. The effects of sarin exposure on the immune system are attenuated by ganglionic blockers and decreased glucocorticoid level may be a biomarker for cholinergic toxicity. Future experiments are designed to understand the mechanism of sarin-induced immunotoxicity. The study may identify novel biomarkers of nerve gas exposure, and suggest therapeutics to treat the immunotoxicity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA452216
Entities
People
- Mohan Sopori
Organizations
- Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute