Effects of toxaphene on the immune system of cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys. A pilot study.

Toxaphene in glycerol/corn oil was administered at 1mg/kg body weight/day, 7 days/week in gelatin capsules to four healthy young adult cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) (two male and two female) monkeys for 52 weeks. Control monkeys ingested glycerol/corn oil only. Testing for immune effects was initiated at 34 weeks of treatment. Results included: reduced anti-sheep red blood cell (SRBC) titres for immunoglobulins (Ig) M and G; increased IgG titres to pneumococcal antigens, but not to the tetanus toxoid antigen; reduced T-helper/inducer mean lymphocyte numbers and the mean T-helper/inducer:T-suppressor/cytotoxic cell ratio and reduced respiratory burst activity in peripheral blood monocytes and granulocytes, albeit no changes on the phagocytic activity of these cells were detected. The above noted effects although not statistically significant (P0.05) suggest that chronic exposure to low levels of toxaphene may be immunosuppressive in cynomolgus monkeys and may pose a hazard to human health. To advance our understanding of the degree of hazard that toxaphene may pose to human health, we have undertaken additional chronic studies with a larger number of animals. Particular attention is focused on determining the potential immunotoxic effects of toxaphene in offspring following in utero exposure.