Effects of nonylphenol on immune function of F1 male rats after gestation exposure

Objective To investigate the adverse effects of nonylphenol(NP)on immune function of F1 male rats after gestation exposure.Methods Pregnant rats were exposed to N P at doses of 0,20,40,80 and 200 mg/kg body weights,respectively from pregnant days 14 to 19.Indices related to their immune system were observed while the F1 male rats were sacrificed at the age of 60th days.Results Compared with the control group,the absolute and relative weight of spleen and thymus were decreased dramatically in the 80 and 200 mg/kg N P treated groups.In the 200 mg/kg N P treated group,the proliferative responses of murine spleen lymphocytes cultured in vit ro were suppressed.Cytokine productions of interferongamma and interleukin-6 in serum were markedly lower than those in the control group.Conclusion N P can get across the placenta barrier.Exposure to 200 mg/kg/day N P can inhibit the immune function in F1 male offspring rats.