ACRYLAMIDE INDUCED IMMUNOSUPPRESSION IN RATS AND ITS MODULATION BY 6-MFA, AN INTERFERON INDUCER

In the present communication, we describe acrylamide (ACR) induced imm unotoxicity and its modulation by an interferon inducer, the 6th mycel ial fraction acetone (6-MFA) of Aspergillus ochraceus ATCC 28706. ACR administration to rats produced a significant decrease in the weight o f spleen (p<0.001), thymus (p<0.001) and mesenteric lymph nodes (p<0.0 5). A decrease in cellularity of spleen (p<0.001), thymus (p<0.001), b one marrow (p<0.001) and circulating blood lymphocyte population (p<0. 001) was also recorded. ACR suppressed the humoral as well as cell med iated immunity as assessed by erythrocyte antibody complement (EAC)-ro settes (p<0.001), hemagglutination titre (p<0.001), PFC (p<0.001) and the delayed type hypersensitivity response against sheep red blood cel ls (SRBC, p<0.001). ACR treated imnunosuppressed rats when treated wit h 6-MFA restored the circulating lymphocyte number to the normal level and a partial recovery in the weight of spleen and thymus. Potentiati on of EAC-rosettes, hemagglutination titre, IgM-PFC and DTH response a gainst SRBC was observed. It is concluded that 6-MFA ameliorate the AC R induced toxicity. This study may be of significance in prevention of ACR toxicity.