1. Sponsor Organization: NIH/NIEHS

2. Project Title: 03179-16 IMMUNOTOXICITY OF HEAVY METALS

3. Project Focus:

• Project Primary Focus: Human Health Effects
• Project Secondary Focus:

4. Description:

Lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) are two toxicants that can influence immunosuppression or enhancement of select immune functions. Hg can induce autoimmune reactivities in multiple species; however, this characteristic of Pb has not been established. We will compare the effects of Pb and Hg on various immunologic, biochemical, and molecular parameters of human and mouse cells. Since lipids and glycoproteins are responsible for maintaining the cell's barrier and the site where all activation events are initiated, we will evaluate lymphocyte plasma membrane structure including phospholipid composition, membrane fluidity, protein/receptor topography, and expression and movement of surface molecules (antigens) known to be involved in cell interactions and/or T cell activation.

5. References:

6. Inventory Category:

• Primary: Models
• Secondary:

7. Inventory Subcategory:

• Primary: Basic Research
• Secondary:

8. Keywords for Experimental System/Species:

• Species:
• Study Type:
  • In Vitro
  • Laboratory Study
• Fate and Transport:

9. Keywords for Experimental Endpoints:

• Health Effect:
  • Immunology
  • Molecular
• Hormonal Measures:
• Level Of Study:
  • Biochemistry
• Chemistry Metabolism:
• Life Stage:
• Risk Assessment:

10. Chemical Agents:

• Mercury
• Lead

11. Performing Institution:

• WADSWORTH CENTER FOR LABS AND RES

12. Contact:

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