AMPHIPHILIC DETERGENTS INHIBIT PRODUCTION OF IGG AND IGM BY HUMAN PERIPHERAL-BLOOD MONONUCLEAR-CELLS

All types (cationic, anionic and non-ionic) amphiphilic detergents sig nificantly inhibited the production of both IgG and IgM by human perip heral blood mononuclear cells after polyclonal activation in vitro. Th e most potent inhibitors were didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) and (1-methyldodecyl)dimethylamine N-oxide (2-ATDNO). They were able to suppress effectively the immunoglobulin production in 10(-3)-10(-8) M concentrations. A medium inhibitory effect was observed with Slovap on, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and Triton X-100, while Slovanik sho wed an inhibition only in concentrations higher than 10(-2)%. These re sults suggest that amphiphilic detergents may be characterized as pote ntial immunotoxic substances with very negative effects on the immunog lobulin production.