Date of Award
Spring 2010
Project Type
Thesis
Program or Major
Nutritional Sciences
Degree Name
Master of Science
First Advisor
Anthony R Tagliaferro
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals have adverse effects on immune function that may result in respiratory conditions. Inhalation of dust is a major route of exposure to PBDEs; however, the impact of PBDEs on the immune response is unclear. The objective of this in vitro study was to determine the impact of PBDEs on the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by activated alveolar macrophages. Porcine alveolar macrophages were grown in RPMI growth media supplemented with 10% porcine serum and incubated for 24-hours. After 24-hours, cells were activated by inoculation with PMA. In addition to PMA, different concentrations of the PBDE mixture DE-71 were introduced to the wells. After 6-hour incubation, conditioned media was removed and analyzed. Cells exposed to PMA and PBDEs released significantly less pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to controls. Suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines---characteristic of a compromised immune system---suggests that persistent exposure to PBDEs may increase the susceptibility to respiratory conditions.
Recommended Citation
Hennigar, Stephen R., "Exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) suppresses the release of pro-inflammatory products by alveolar macrophages in vitro" (2010). Master's Theses and Capstones. 550.
https://scholars.unh.edu/thesis/550