Atrazine-induced apoptosis of splenocytes in BALB/C mice

Abstract

BackgroundAtrazine (2-chloro-4-ethytlamino-6-isopropylamine-1,3,5-triazine; ATR), is the most commonly applied broad-spectrum herbicide in the world. Unintentional overspray of ATR poses an immune function health hazard. The biomolecular mechanisms responsible for ATR-induced immunotoxicity, however, are little understood. This study presents on our investigation into the apoptosis of splenocytes in mice exposed to ATR as we explore possible immunotoxic mechanisms.MethodsOral doses of ATR were administered to BALB/C mice for 21 days. The histopathology, lymphocyte apoptosis and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins from the Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) apoptotic pathway were examined from spleen samples.ResultsMice administered ATR exhibited a significant decrease in spleen and thymus weight. Electron microscope histology of ultrathin sections of spleen revealed degenerative micromorphology indicative of apoptosis of splenocytes. Flow cytometry revealed that the percentage of apoptotic lymphocytes increased in a dose-dependent manner after ATR treatment. Western blots identified increased expression of Fas, FasL and active caspase-3 proteins in the treatment groups.ConclusionsATR is capable of inducing splenocytic apoptosis mediated by the Fas/FasL pathway in mice, which could be the potential mechanism underlying the immunotoxicity of ATR.

WITHDRAWN: Gestational and lactational exposure to atrazine affects behavior and cognitive functions in Sprague-Dawley rats

“…The results of the behavioral experiments in this study are in agreement with previous studies [31,36], whereby the number of conditional reflex times was reduced, and latency was prolonged in both males and females of the ATR-treated groups. This suggests that early maternal exposure to ATR may exert adverse effects on behavior, cognition and memory in offspring.…”

“…A circular platform (10 cm in diameter and 40 cm high) was installed about 1.5 cm below the water surface in one of the quadrants. The test was divided into two sections as previously described [31].…”

Sub-acute exposure to the herbicide atrazine suppresses cell immune functions in adolescent mice

“…Since abnormal weights of the spleen and thymus are important indicators used to investigate immunotoxic potential (9), the current results indicate that ATR was likely to be immunotoxic to juvenile mice. The decrease in immune organ weight may be associated with the inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation and/or the increase in lymphocyte death in the spleen and thymus (9). In the current study, the histopathological features of the spleen were detected by light microscopy, and results revealed degenerative changes, compared to the control group, in the spleens of mice treated with 25 mg/kg ATR and 125 mg/kg ATR but not in mice treated with 5 mg/kg ATR.…”

“…These data indicate that the daily ATR exposure for ordinary residents in the watershed is about 0.37-0.79 μg/kg/day, and this value is higher for farmers. ATR is not removed from the body within 24 h and its metabolites can still be detected in the urine 48 h after exposure (9). Thus, some effects may occur after repeated exposures and result in accumulation of substances above a critical threshold.…”

“…However, these amounts ensured that the effects of ATR were noticeable in this study. In California, potential occupational exposure to ATR was assessed during mixing, loading, and application of ATR on field corn, and the absorbed daily dosage (ADD) of ATR for a mixer/loader/applicator was estimated to be 1.8-6.1 μg/kg/day in the event of short-term exposure (15-21 days) (9,21). However, the ADD of ATR is expected to be higher for commercial applicators and farmers in developing countries due to inappropriate personal protective equipment and unintentional overspraying.…”