Effect of methyl tertiary butyl ether on peripheral T lymphocyte subsets of mice

  Objective   To explore the effect of methyl tertiary butyl ether(MTBE), an unleaded gasoline additive, on peripheral Tlymphocyte subsets of mice.

  Methods   30 mice were distributed in three groups randomly.The MTBE exposed doses were 40, 100 and 0 mg/(kg·bw)respectively by gavage daily for 30 days.The change of the body weight, pectoral gland weight and spleen weight was detected.The percentage of peripheral T lymphocyte subsets CD₃, CD₄ and CD₈ cells was analyzed by flow cytometer.

  Results   The body weights in MTBE exposed groups were decreased lightly than those of control group.The weight of pectoral gland and the index of pectoral gland, T lymphocyte subsets CD₃, CD₄, cells in MTBE 400mg/kg group were significantly decreased compared with control group P < 0.05).

  Conclusion   MTBE presented adverse effects on the T lymphocyte subsets and suppressed immunefunction.