Chapter 18 - Immunotoxicity

Abstract

Immunotoxicology is defined as the study of toxic effects of chemicals on the immune system. The concern about the undesirable effects of chemicals on the immune system or the immune system as a mediator of systemic toxic responses is relatively new; much of the advances have followed the understanding of the molecular events involved in immune mechanisms and discoveries in molecular biology. In public health, the interest in immunotoxicity increased after awareness of the unwanted effects of environmental chemicals, including air and water pollutants, food additives, or contaminants. Even at present, there is limited information on the harmful effects of chemicals on the immune system of domestic animals; much of the information is derived from experimental studies in laboratory models or the information is restricted to poultry or fish. Available information on the role of immune mechanisms in the manifestation of toxicity by various chemicals is inadequate. Immune suppression is sufficiently important in toxicology and more studies relating dose and effect need to be conducted. Immunosuppressive potentials of chemicals are of little importance if the effects occur only with exposure levels that equal or exceed those that directly affect other systems.