Effects of PCBs on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by the immune cells of Paracentrotus lividus (Echinodermata)

The impact of four PCB congeners: 3,3 ' ,4,4 ' -tetrachlorobiphenyl (lUPAC congener #77), 3,3 ' ,4,4 ' ,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (IUPAC #126), 2,2 ' ,4,4 ' ,5,5 ' -hexachlorobiphenyl (lUPAC #153) and 3,3 ' ,4,4 ' ,5,5 ' -hexachl orobiphenyl (IUPAC #169) was investigated on the reactive oxygen species (R OS) production by coelomocytes of the echinoid Para-centrotits lividus, an important species in marine benthic, ecosystems. PCBs were found to increas e ROS production and to delay the time of peak production. These effects we re stronger on bacteria-stimulated cells and were congener-specitic: coplan ar congeners (#77, 126 and 169) had more effect than the non-coplanar PCB # 153. Among coplanar congeners, PCB #169 showed dose-dependent effects, wher eas PCB #77 and 126 were more toxic at high and low doses, respectively. Th e relative immunotoxicity of the different PCB congeners is discussed in th e light of their structural properties and biological affinities. (C) 2001, Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.