Selective inhibition of polymorphonuclear neutrophil activity by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced suppression of immunity in THP-1-derived macrophages and the possible mechanisms

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a well-known immunotoxic environmental pollutant. However, most immunotoxicology studies of TCDD were based on the animal models and the inner mechanisms have just focused on a few genes/proteins. In this study, the immune functions of THP-1-derived macrophages was measured with in-vitro bioassays after 24-h exposure of TCDD including environmentally relevant concentrations. RNA-seq and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis were used to characterize the immunotoxicity molecular mechanisms. Our study is the first report on the TCDD-induced effects of cell adhesion, morphology, and multiple cytokines/chemokines production on THP-1 macrophages. After TCDD treatment, we observed an inhibited cell adherence, probably attributed to the suppressed mRNA levels of adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and CD11b, and a decrease in cell pseudopodia and expression of F-actin. The inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-10 and other 8 cytokines/chemokines regulating granulocytes/T cells and angiogenesis were disrupted by TCDD. Alternative splicing event was found to be a sensitive target for TCDD. Using WGCNA, we identified 10 hub genes (TNF, SRC, FGF2, PTGS2, CDH2, GNG11, BDNF, WNT5A, CXCR5 and RUNX2) highly relevant to these observed phenotypes, suggesting AhR less important in the effects TCDD have on THP-1 macrophages than in other cells. Our findings broaden the understanding of TCDD immunotoxicity on macrophages and provide new potential targets for clarifying the molecular mechanisms.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) role in hematopoiesis and in hematologic diseases: A critical review

Dioxin exposure and its effect on hematopoiesis and cancer have been largely investigated in both human and non-human settings. Here we systematically reviewed literature to address the question of what we know about TCDD biology and exposure. Most effects are due to TCDD interaction with a receptor of xenobiotics called AHR, which is ubiquitously represented and also works on hematopoietic myeloid and lymphoid stem cells, inducing proliferation and stem cell release from bone marrow to peripheral circulation. Epidemiologic studies on TCDD exposure demonstrated an association with onco-hematologic diseases, particularly with non Hodgkin lymphomas and multiple myeloma, and non hematologic cancers, such as sarcomas, although these relationships are affected by multiple confounding factors.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) attenuation of subchronic cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary neutrophilia is associated with retention of nuclear RelB and suppression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1)

Cigarette smoke is associated with chronic and enhanced pulmonary inflammation characterized by increased cytokine production and leukocyte recruitment to the lung. Although the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is well-known to mediate toxic effects of manmade environmental contaminants, the AhR has emerged as a suppressor of acute cigarette smoke-induced neutrophilia by a mechanism involving the NF-κB protein RelB. Yet individuals who smoke often smoke for many years and vary in their cigarette consumption. As there is currently no information on the AhR prevention of lung inflammation, including neutrophilia, due to varied and prolonged exposure regimes, we exposed control and AhR(-/-) mice to cigarette smoke for 2 weeks (subchronic exposure) utilizing low and high exposure protocols and evaluated pulmonary inflammation. Subchronic cigarette smoke exposure significantly increased pulmonary neutrophilia dose-dependently in AhR(-/-) mice. Surprisingly, there was no difference between smoke-exposed AhR(+/-) and AhR(-/-) mice in the expression of cytokines associated with neutrophil recruitment. Expression of pulmonary intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), an adhesion molecule involved in neutrophil migration and retention, was higher in pulmonary endothelial cells from AhR(-/-) mice. Although total lung RelB expression was increased by cigarette smoke, nuclear RelB was significantly lower in subchronically exposed AhR(-/-) mice. Inhibition of AhR activity by CH-223191 in endothelial cells potentiated ICAM-1 expression and prevented RelB nuclear translocation but had no effect on neutrophil adhesion. These data support that genetic absence of the AhR contributes to heightened pulmonary neutrophilia in response to ongoing cigarette smoke exposure. Interindividual variations in AhR expression may enhance the susceptibility to cigarette smoke-induced diseases.

The emerging roles of AhR in physiology and immunity

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is traditionally defined as a transcriptional regulator involved in adaptive xenobiotic response, however, emerging evidence supports physiological functions of AhR in normal cell development and immune response. The role of AhR in immunomodulation is multi-dimensional. On the one hand, activation of AhR by TCDD and other ligands leads to profound immunosuppression, potentially via skewed Th1/Th2 cell balance toward Th1 dominance, and boosted Treg cell differentiation. On the other hand, activation of AhR can also induce Th17 cell polarization and increase the severity of autoimmune disease. In addition to T lymphocytes, the AhR also appears to play a vital role in B cell maturation, and regulates the activity of macrophages, dendritic cells and neutrophils following lipopolysaccharide challenge or influenza virus infection. In these scenarios, activation of AhR is associated with decreased host response and reduced survival. Furthermore, gene knock out studies suggest that AhR is indispensable for the postnatal maintenance of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes and skin-resident dendritic epidermal gamma delta T cells, providing a potential link between AhR and gut immunity and wound healing. It is well accepted that the magnitude and the type of immune response is dependent on the local cytokine milieu and the AhR appears to be one of the key factors involved in the fine turning of this cytokine balance.

Potential protective mechanisms of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling in benign prostatic hyperplasia

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is an evolutionarily conserved ligand activated transcription factor best known for its role in mediating toxic responses to dioxin-like environmental contaminants. However, AHR signaling has also emerged as an active participant in processes of normal development and disease progression. Here, we review the role of AHR signaling in prostate development and disease processes, with a particular emphasis on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Inappropriate AHR activation has recently been associated with a decreased risk of symptomatic BPH in humans and has been shown to impair prostate development and disrupt endocrine signaling in rodents. We highlight known physiological responses to AHR activation in prostate and other tissues and discuss potential mechanisms by which it may act in adult human prostate to protect against symptomatic BPH.

The elderly as a sensitive population in environmental exposures: making the case

The US population is aging. CDC has estimated that 20% of all Americans will be 65 or older by the year 2030. As a part of the aging process, the body gradually deteriorates and physiologic and metabolic limitations arise. Changes that occur in organ anatomy and function present challenges for dealing with environmental stressors of all kinds, ranging from temperature regulation to drug metabolism and excretion. The elderly are not just older adults, but rather are individuals with unique challenges and different medical needs than younger adults. The ability of the body to respond to physiological challenge presented by environmental chemicals is dependent upon the health of the organ systems that eliminate those substances from the body. Any compromise in the function of those organ systems may result in a decrease in the body's ability to protect itself from the adverse effects of xenobiotics. To investigate this issue, we performed an organ system-by-organ system review of the effects of human aging and the implications for such aging on susceptibility to drugs and xenobiotics. Birnbaum (1991) reported almost 20 years ago that it was clear that the pharmacokinetic behavior of environmental chemicals is, in many cases, altered during aging. Yet, to date, there is a paucity of data regarding recorded effects of environmental chemicals on elderly individuals. As a result, we have to rely on what is known about the effects of aging and the existing data regarding the metabolism, excretion, and adverse effects of prescription medications in that population to determine whether the elderly might be at greater risk when exposed to environmental substances. With increasing life expectancy, more and more people will confront the problems associated with advancing years. Moreover, although proper diet and exercise may lessen the immediate severity of some aspects of aging, the process will continue to gradually degrade the ability to cope with a variety of injuries and diseases. Thus, the adverse effects of long-term, low-level exposure to environmental substances will have a longer time to be manifested in a physiologically weakened elderly population. When such exposures are coupled with concurrent exposure to prescription medications, the effects could be devastating. Public health officials must be knowledgeable about the sensitivity of the growing elderly population, and ensure that the use of health guidance values (HGVs) for environmental contaminants and other substances give consideration to this physiologically compromised segment of the population.

AHR-mediated immunomodulation: the role of altered gene transcription

The immune system is a sensitive target for aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)-mediated transcriptional regulation. Most of the cells that participate in immune responses express AHR protein, and many genes involved in their responses contain multiple DRE sequences in their promoters. However, the potential involvement of many of these candidate genes in AHR-mediated immunomodulation has never been investigated. Many obstacles to understanding the transcriptional effects of AHR activation exist, owing to the complexities of pathogen-driven inflammatory and adaptive immune responses, and to the fact that activation of AHR often influences the expression of genes that are already being regulated by other transcriptional events in responding cells. Studies with TCDD as the most potent, non-metabolized AHR ligand indicate that AHR activation alters many inflammatory signals that shape the adaptive immune response, contributing to altered differentiation of antigen-specific CD4(+) T helper (TH) cells and altered adaptive immune responses. With TCDD, most adaptive immune responses are highly suppressed, which has been recently linked to the AHR-dependent induction of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells. However activation of AHR by certain non-TCDD ligands may result in other immune outcomes, as a result of metabolism of the ligand to active metabolites or to unknown ligand-specific effects on AHR-mediated gene transcription. Based on studies using AHR(-/-) mice, evidence for a role of endogenous AHR ligands in regulation of the immune response is growing, with bilirubin and lipoxinA4 representing two promising candidates.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor targets pathways extrinsic to bone marrow cells to enhance neutrophil recruitment during influenza virus infection

There is growing evidence that neutrophils influence host resistance during influenza virus infection; however, factors that regulate neutrophil migration to the lung during viral infection are unclear. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) by the pollutant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD or dioxin) results in an increased number of neutrophils in the lung after influenza virus infection. The mechanism of AhR-mediated neutrophilia does not involve elevated levels of soluble neutrophil chemoattractants, upregulated adhesion molecules on pulmonary neutrophils, delayed neutrophil apoptosis, or increased vascular damage. In this study, we determined whether AhR activation increases neutrophil numbers systemically or only in the infected lung, and whether AhR-regulated events within the hematopoietic system underlie the dioxin-induced increase in pulmonary neutrophils observed during influenza virus infection. We report here that AhR activation does not increase neutrophil numbers systemically or increase neutrophil production in hematopoietic tissue, suggesting that the elevated number of neutrophils is restricted to the site of antigen challenge. The generation of CD45.2AhR-/--->CD45.1AhR+/+ bone marrow chimeric mice demonstrates that even when hematopoietic cells lack the AhR, TCDD treatment still results in twice as many pulmonary neutrophils compared with control-treated, infected CD45.2AhR-/--->CD45.1AhR+/+ chimeric mice. This finding reveals that AhR-mediated events extrinsic to bone marrow-derived cells affect the directional migration of neutrophils to the infected lung. These results suggest that the lung contains important and heretofore overlooked targets of AhR regulation, unveiling a novel mechanism for controlling neutrophil recruitment to the infected lung.

The immune system as a target for environmental chemicals: Xenoestrogens and other compounds

The immune system in higher organisms is under integrated control and has the capacity to rapidly respond to the environment. Recently, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of allergic diseases. Environmental factors likely play a major role in the explosion of allergy. Although the "hygiene hypothesis" may explain the increase in allergic diseases which are prone to T helper 2 (Th2) immune responses, recent findings highlight the possible involvement of environmental xenobiotic chemicals which can modulate normal immune function. Interestingly, several reports suggest that the prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus, a Th2-type autoimmune disease, is also increasing, although the development of high-sensitivity immunological tests may be a possible cause. The increased prevalence of autoimmune disease in women, the sexual dimorphism of the immune response, and the immunomodulatory effects of sex steroids, have focused attention on the role of chemicals which influence sex steroids in the development of immune diseases. Moreover, recent reports indicate that some environmental chemicals can work on nuclear hormone receptors, other than sex hormone receptors, and modulate immune reactions. This review focuses on the impact of environmental chemicals on immune system function and pathogenesis of immune diseases, including allergy and autoimmune diseases.

Dioxin: a review of its environmental effects and its aryl hydrocarbon receptor biology

A highly persistent trace environmental contaminant and one of the most potent toxicants known is dioxin (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin or TCDD). TCDD induces a broad spectrum of biological responses, including induction of cytochrome P-450 1A1 (CYP1A1), disruption of normal hormone signaling pathways, reproductive and developmental defects, immunotoxicity, liver damage, wasting syndrome, and cancer. Its classification was upgraded from "possible human carcinogen" (group 2B) to "human carcinogen" (group 1) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 1997. Exposure to TCDD may also cause changes in sex ratio, and tumor promotion in other animals. Because of the growing public and scientific concern, toxicological studies have been initiated to analyze the short- and long-term effects of dioxin. TCDD brings about a wide variety of toxic and biochemical effects via aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated signaling pathways. Essential steps in this adaptive mechanism include AhR binding of ligand in the cytoplasm of cells associated with two molecules of chaperone heatshock protein (Hsp90) and AhR interactive protein, translocation of the receptor to the nucleus, dimerization with the Ah receptor nuclear translocator, and binding of this heterodimeric transcription factor (present in CYP1A) to dioxin-responsive elements upstream of promoters that regulate the expression of genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism.

Mechanisms of action of environmental factors--tobacco smoking

AIM

To review the potential biological mechanisms underlying the effects of tobacco smoking on periodontitis.

MAIN FINDINGS

Smoking has major effects on the host response, but there are also a number of studies that show some microbiological differences between smokers and non-smokers. Smoking has a long-term chronic effect on many important aspects of the inflammatory and immune responses. Histological studies have shown alterations in the vasculature of the periodontal tissues in smokers. Smoking induces a significant systemic neutrophilia, but neutrophil transmigration across the periodontal microvasculature is impeded. The suppression of neutrophil cell spreading, chemokinesis, chemotaxis and phagocytosis have been described. Protease release from neutrophils may be an important mechanism in tissue destruction. Tobacco smoke has been found to affect both cell-mediated immunity and humoral immunity. Research on gingival crevicular fluid has demonstrated that there are lower levels of cytokines, enzymes and possibly polymorphonuclear cells in smokers. In vitro studies have shown detrimental effects of nicotine and some other tobacco compounds on fibroblast function, including fibroblast proliferation, adhesion to root surfaces and cytotoxicity.

CONCLUSION

Tobacco smoking has widespread systemic effects, many of which may provide mechanisms for the increased susceptibility to periodontitis and the poorer response to treatment.

Perinatal dioxin exposure and later effects--a review

Negative effects of perinatal exposure to background levels of dioxins and PCBs in Europe and the USA have been documented. Four facets of development are reviewed in this paper: 1. Brain development and thyroid hormone metabolism. 2. Hepatic effects. 3. Hematopoietic system effects. 4. Lung function. Effects on IQ and behaviour have been documented in children on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Non-dioxin-like PCBs, measured in maternal and cord blood and current plasma samples have been implicated. Interference with thyroid hormone metabolism in the mother, in the foetus and in the newborn baby could be responsible for these effects on brain development. During early gestation the foetus is completely dependent on maternal thyroxine (T4). Lower T4 levels in the mother, caused by dioxins and PCBs, might negatively influence (early) brain development. It is plausible that the intrauterine dependency on maternal T4 and the high T4 need shortly after birth makes both these periods vulnerable for environmental influences. Effects of dioxin exposure on thyroid hormone metabolism have been described in the period shortly after birth. These effects are no longer found after two years of age indicating a transient effect. In animal studies, in utero exposure has led to effects on brain development due to abnormal induction of liver enzymes. This induction resulted in lower testosterone and estrogen levels, interfering with brain development in the vulnerable period of language development and the development of visuo-spatial abilities. In humans this developmental period occurs around the thirtieth week of pregnancy. Follow-up studies in puberty and adolescence of the different cohorts studied is necessary to evaluate these negative influences. Damaging effects on the liver found shortly after birth have proven to be transient. Effects on the haematopoietic system are clear immediately after birth, for instance on white blood cells and thrombocytes. An increase in middle ear infections (otitis media) in relation to current levels of PCBs at the age of 4 years was described in the Rotterdam study. Negative effects on lung function in the sense of increased obstruction was found after 8 years in relation to perinatal exposure to dioxins in the Zaandam study. This rather new finding might explain the sharp increase in lung problems in children in the Western world.

Inhibition of Human Polymorphonuclear Cell Oxidative Burst by 17-β-estradiol and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

PROBLEM

Polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) function may be directly influenced by 17-beta-estradiol and the endocrine disruptor, 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). This may have significant consequences on PMN function within the female reproductive tract. This study evaluated the effects of 17-beta-estradiol and TCDD on PMN oxidative burst.

METHOD OF STUDY

Peripheral blood PMN were isolated from normal male donors. Following treatment with 17-beta-estradiol, TCDD or both, PMN were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. Superoxide production was measured by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence.

RESULTS

Following 24-hr culture with either 17-beta-estradiol or TCDD, PMN superoxide production was significantly reduced, however, no such inhibition was observed when PMN were cultured with both estradiol and TCDD. Using antagonists, the estradiol and TCDD effects on PMN superoxide production was shown to be estrogen and aryl hydrocarbon receptor mediated.

CONCLUSIONS

Estradiol and TCDD influence PMN oxidative burst through receptor mediated events. Such altered PMN function may have profound effects upon the normal endometrial cycle.

Persistent hematologic and immunologic disturbances in 8-year-old Dutch children associated with perinatal dioxin exposure

Perinatal exposure to Dutch "background" dioxin levels in 1990 was high, but comparable with that of other industrialized Western European countries. Exposure during the sensitive perinatal period may cause permanent disturbances. Therefore, we assessed the health status and various hematologic and immunologic parameters among our longitudinal cohort. A medical history was taken and venipuncture performed in a longitudinal cohort of 27 healthy 8-year-old children who had documented perinatal dioxin exposure. Linear regression revealed a decrease in allergy in relation to prenatal (p = 0.02) and postnatal (p = 0.03) dioxin exposure. Increases in CD4+ T-helper cells (p = 0.006) and in CD45RA+ cells (p = 0.02) were seen in relation to postnatal exposure. A persistently decreased platelet count (p = 0.04) and increased thrombopoietin concentration (p = 0.03) were seen in relation to postnatal exposure. This follow-up has shown a decrease in allergy, persistently decreased thrombocytes, increased thrombopoietin, and increased CD4+ T-helper and increased CD45RA+ cell counts. This study provides indications of effects at the stem cell level of perinatal dioxin exposure, persisting until minimally 8 years after birth.

Functional alterations in CD11b(+)Gr-1(+) cells in mice injected with allogeneic tumor cells and treated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exposure results in an increased percentage of CD11b(+) (Mac-1(+)) cells in the spleens of mice challenged with P815 tumor cells, coincident with a failure of the mice to generate allospecific CD8(+) CTL activity. Since CD11b(+)Gr-1(+) myeloid suppressor cells (MSC) have been described as that which prevent cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) development in a variety of disease states, we hypothesized that TCDD promoted MSC development, leading to suppression of CTL activity. The purpose of the present studies was to compare the phenotypic and functional characteristics of CD11b(+) cells in vehicle- and TCDD-treated mice during the P815 tumor allograft response to determine their potential to function as MSC. Initial studies showed that virtually all splenic CD11b(+) cells in both vehicle- and TCDD-treated mice co-expressed Gr-1. Consistent with MSC activity, CD11b(+)Gr-1(+) cells isolated from TCDD- but not vehicle-treated mice suppressed the development of CTL activity when added in vitro to mixed lymphocyte-P815 tumor cell cultures. Also consistent with MSC activity, this suppressive effect in vitro required cell-to-cell contact. Surprisingly, however, in vivo depletion of CD11b(+)Gr-1(+) cells failed to affect TCDD-induced suppression of the CTL response, arguing against an immunoregulatory role for the cells in vivo. Immunohistochemical analysis of the spleen showed that CD11b(+)Gr-1(+) cells were localized in the red pulp, and physically separated from the T cells in the white pulp. The localization of CD11b(+)Gr-1(+) cells in the red pulp was indicative of extramedullary myelopoiesis and suggested that TCDD enhanced myelopoiesis. A significantly enhanced neutrophilia in the blood of TCDD-treated mice supported this conclusion. CD11b(+)Gr-1(+) cells isolated from the blood or spleen of TCDD-treated mice produced up to fivefold higher levels of superoxide following PMA stimulation when compared with cells from vehicle-treated mice. However, unlike vehicle-treated mice, CD11b(+)Gr-1(+) cells from TCDD-treated mice were unable to kill YAC-1 target cells. These results indicate that TCDD exposure alters the host response to allogeneic tumor growth, resulting in enhanced myelopoiesis perhaps as a compensatory response to the suppressed T cell-mediated immunity in the face of an increasing P815 tumor burden. Furthermore, within the context of the P815 response, TCDD appears to alter the functional capabilities of mature neutrophils, by enhancing their oxidative burst capacity but reducing their tumoricidal response.

2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin does not directly alter the phenotype of maturing B cells in a murine coculture system

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), acting through the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), elicits numerous toxicological effects, including immunosuppression. Previous work from our laboratory has suggested that TCDD exposure in mice is associated with altered lymphopoietic development, in particular altered B-cell phenotype in the bone marrow. It remains to be determined which specific hematopoietic populations or subpopulations within the marrow cavity are directly targeted by TCDD. To examine the effects of TCDD on developing B cells in vitro, a stromal coculture model was used. Primary bone marrow cells from male, 6- to 7-week-old C57Bl/6 mice were cocultured separately on two AhR-containing stromal cell lines (M2-10B4 and S17) that support B-cell development in the presence of IL-7. The cocultures were treated with 0 to 10 nM TCDD. Shifts in phenotype were quantified by cell surface marker staining and flow cytometry. Four populations in the maturing B cell (very early pre-pro-B, pre-pro-B, pro-B, and pre-B) were defined for quantification. The results show that the only statistically significant effect of TCDD was within the pre-pro-B population in cultures with the S17 stromal cell line. The increase in number of cells with this phenotype was seen in cultures with both wild-type and AhR-/- primary bone marrow cells. These results suggest that the maturing B220+ B cell is not the direct target for TCDD-induced bone marrow B-cell alterations.

Recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of TCDD immunotoxicity

TCDD is a highly immunosuppressive chemical that induces potent suppression of immune responses in laboratory animals. However, apart from the requisite role of the AhR and the identification of bone-marrow-derived cells as critical AhR-expressing targets, the specific cells and the underlying biochemical mechanisms by which TCDD disrupts immunological functions remain unclear. Recent data suggest that a new paradigm for the mechanism of immunotoxic action of TCDD may be more accurate, moving from one focused on the suppression of immune functions to one focused on the inappropriate activation of cells, leading to anergy or death, and the consequent premature termination of the immune response. Enhanced activation of B cells, DC and CD4+ T cells by TCDD has been described as well as the earlier disappearance of the latter two populations from peripheral lymphoid organs. Although much remains to be learned about how inappropriate cellular activation via the AhR induces immune suppression, deducing this mechanism of action and the signaling pathways involved, should lead to new insight into basic mechanisms of immune regulation.

Aging and resistance to Trichinella spiralis infection following xenobiotic exposure

Aging is accompanied by well-documented physiological changes, including alterations in the immune system that can lead to reduced resistance to a variety of infectious agents. We tested the hypothesis that immunosenescence exacerbates the immunosuppressive effect of xenobiotics. If proven true, a given dose of an immunosuppressive xenobiotic would cause greater suppression of host resistance in an aged population.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor has a role in the in vivo maturation of murine bone marrow B lymphocytes and their response to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

The ligand-activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a cytosolic DNA binding protein. Although no biologic role for AHR has been elucidated, it mediates the immunotoxicity of xenobiotics such as 2, 3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), and its targeted inactivation produces abnormal immune system development. While investigators have demonstrated AHR's involvement in TCDD-induced B lymphocyte functional alterations, little is known about the receptor's possible role in early B cell maturation and whether exogenous ligands change this process. The purpose of this study was to determine, (1) whether bone marrow B lymphocyte maturation is affected by AHR presence, (2) if so, its relative importance in hematopoietic and/or nonhematopoietic elements and, (3) whether TCDD alters this process. Radiation chimeras were produced that were AHR positive (Ahr+/+) or negative (Ahr-/-) in either their nonhematopoietic or hematopoietic elements, or both. Marrow cells were analyzed for alterations in B lymphocyte maturation stage cell numbers in both vehicle- and TCDD-treated animals. Our results showed that (1) Ahr-/- animals had significantly higher numbers of pro/pre-B cells than Ahr+/+ animals, (2) TCDD treatment of Ahr+/+ animals produced a decrease in pro/pre-B cell numbers, whereas no effect was observed on Ahr-/- animals, and (3) AHR is required in both hematopoietic and stromal elements for maintenance of B cell subset maturation profiles.

Effects of aging on resistance to Trichinella spiralis infection in rodents exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

Immune function, including resistance to infection, decreases as humans and rodents age. We have shown that preinfection exposure of young (9-11 weeks) mice or rats to TCDD decreased resistance to Trichinella spiralis (Ts) infection, expressed as delayed onset or completion of parasite elimination and as increased muscle burdens of larvae. It has also been shown that aged mice express lower constitutive levels of resistance to Ts infection, compared to young adult animals. This study tested the hypothesis that the age-related decrease in constitutive levels of resistance to Ts infection exacerbates the decreased resistance to infection that follows TCDD exposure. This hypothesis addresses the concern that TCDD may pose a greater threat to the elderly than to the population at large. Animals were given a single oral dose of 1, 10, or 30 microg TCDD/kg, 7 days before infection. Eleven days later, young (approximately 10 weeks) control rodents had eliminated a greater proportion of the original parasite burden from the intestine than aged control animals. Nevertheless, parasite elimination was decreased by TCDD exposure only in young rodents. The effect of TCDD exposure on numbers of encysted larvae was evaluated only in rats. Increased larvae burdens occurred in young rats at 30 microg TCDD/kg and at 10 or 30 microg TCDD/kg in aged rats. Parasite-specific splenocyte and lymph node cell proliferation was suppressed following dioxin exposure in young mice; cells from aged mice were markedly less responsive to stimulation, yet less sensitive to TCDD exposure. The response to parasite antigens was not affected in aged rats exposed to TCDD, although elevated mitogen-driven B-cell proliferation was observed. These results indicate that age-related constitutive immunosuppression did not exacerbate TCDD-induced suppression of T-cell mediated adult parasite expulsion; rather, advanced age provided some degree of protection. On the other hand, a lower dose of TCDD was required in aged rats to suppress the combined humoral and cellular responses that limit the burden of encysted larvae, compared to young rats. These model-dependent results preclude acceptance or rejection of the tested hypothesis.

Induction of PreB cell apoptosis by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in long-term primary murine bone marrow cultures

Numerous studies demonstrate that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) suppress immunity by modifying the function of both B and T cells. Relatively few studies have assessed the effects of these common environmental chemicals on immature lymphocytes. In the present study, long-term primary bone marrow cultures were employed to investigate the effects of a prototypic PAH and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), on immature B lymphocytes. In this system, immature preB cells are maintained in a supportive microenvironment provided by bone marrow stromal cells. Results presented here demonstrate that (1) exposure of primary bone marrow cultures to DMBA results in preB cell death by apoptosis; (2) notably low doses of DMBA (> or = 10(-8) M) induce preB cell apoptosis; (3) in long-term cultures, bone marrow stromal cells, but not preB cells, express AhR mRNA and protein as determined by in situ hybridization, RT-PCR, and immunoblotting; (4) freshly isolated unfractionated bone marrow cells, but not purified bone marrow B cells, express AhR protein as assessed by immunohistochemistry; (5) alpha-naphthoflavone, a competitive AhR inhibitor and cytochrome P450 antagonist, completely blocks DMBA-induced preB cell apoptosis in primary bone marrow cultures; and (6) DMBA or benzo[a]pyrene injection in vivo results in bone marrow cell apoptosis consistent with the death of hematopoietic cells clustered around stromal elements. The results implicate programmed cell death as a mechanism underlying DMBA-mediated immunosuppression and suggest that preB cell death is influenced by local interactions with AhR+ bone marrow stromal cells.

A review of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced changes in immunocompetence: 1991 update

2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, more popularly called dioxin or TCDD and referred to in this review as 2,3,7,8-TCDD, is considered the prototype of the polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD). The PCDD are true contaminants and are formed primarily as byproducts in the manufacture of materials requiring the use of chlorinated phenols and during the combustion of chlorinated chemical products. From an environmental perspective, the PCDD have been most closely associated with the use of a number of phenolic herbicides, including Agent Orange, which is a 1:1 mixture of the butyl esters of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T). 2,3,7,8-TCDD and related PCDD are not produced commercially except in small amounts for research purposes and to date, have no known human benefit. 2,3,7,8-TCDD has been demonstrated to be the most potent and the most biologically active congener among the halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (HAH), which include polychlorinated and polybrominated biphenyls (PCB and PBB, respectively) and the polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF), in addition to the PCDD. An updated review on the effects of 2,3,7,8-TCDD on immunocompetence is timely from a number of perspectives. First, effects on immune function have been demonstrated to be among the earliest and most sensitive indicators of 2,3,7,8-TCDD-induced toxicity. Second, recent evidence indicates that exposure to 2,3,7,8-TCDD causes changes in innate immunity in addition to the changes in acquired immunity (i.e., which include effects on both cell-mediated and humoral immunity) previously shown to be associated with this chemical. Third, effects on immune function are almost universally observed among the animal species in which it has been evaluated, including some non-human primates. Fourth, effects of 2,3,7,8-TCDD on specific indicators of immune function have been correlated with changes in host resistance capabilities, which are often considered to be more holistic indicators of immunocompetence. Fifth, there are several reports which describe possible effects of 2,3,7,8-TCDD and related compounds (i.e., primarily PBB and PCB) on immune function in humans. It is important to emphasize at the onset that these studies have triggered much controversy, both political and scientific. However, it is equally important to speculate that at least part of the controversy associated with man's sensitivity to the immunological effects of 2,3,7,8-TCDD may be that the most appropriate approaches have heretofore not been applied. This possibility is discussed further in this review.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)