EXAMINATION OF IMMUNE PARAMETERS AND HOST-RESISTANCE MECHANISMS IN B6C3F1 MICE FOLLOWING ADULT EXPOSURE TO 2,3,7,8-TETRACHLORODIBENZO-PARA-DIOXIN

Adult female B6C3F1 mice were given a single ip dose of 0, 0.1, 1.0, or 10.0 μg/kg 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and examined for immune function and host resistance 7-10 d later. Exposure to TCDD resulted in a significant dose-related decrease in induction of both IgM and IgC antibody-forming cells. This suppression was noted for both T-dependent and T-independent antigens. TCDD at a dosage of 10 μg/kg was shown to suppress production of antibody to viral hemagglutinin. © 1975 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.