Effects of RE(NO₃)₃ on immune function of mice's offspring after gestational exposure

  Objective   To observe the effects of mixed rare earth nitrateRE(NO₃)₃on immune function of mice off-spring and whether these effects result from RE through the route of placenta.

  Methods   RE(NO₃)₃ was administered to mice by gavage at dosage of 2, 20, 200 mg/kg during gestational period.The weights of spleen and thy mus, the spleen plaque for ming cells(PFC), the delayed type hypersensitivety(DTH)and the char coal clearance were determined.

  Results   The results after weaning showed that the contents of La, Ce, Pr and Nd in 200mg/kg dosage group were higher than those of control group significantly, at the dosage of 2.0mg/kg, the number of IgM-PFC was increased 82.2%, the rate of clearance and clearance index of 2.0, 20.0mg/kg were higher significantly than that of control(P < 0.05).2.0mg/kg RE(NO₃)₃ could enhance the DTH significantly(P < 0.05).The results after weaning for 3 weeks sho wed that the number of IgM-PFC of 200mg/kg dose groups were 36.9% lower than that of control group, the rate of clearance and clear ance index of 200mg/kg were lower sig nificantly than that of control(P < 0.05).No significant changes in DTH were observed in each exposed group.

  Conclusion   RE(NO₃)₃ can affect the immune function of mice.s offspring, which played a role viaplacenta.