Effect of pesticides on delayed type hypersensitivity reaction in sheep

Abstract

lmmunotoxic effect of lindane, monocrotophos, carbofuran and fenvalerate on cell-mediated immune response was measured by delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction in sheep using dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) as antigen, The pesticides were given orally for 6 month daily @ 1.25 ppm lindane, 0.025 ppm monoerotophos, 2.5 ppm carbofuran and 1.25 ppm fenvalcrate to 4 lambs each. All the pesticides caused suppression of cell-mediated immune response as indicated by significant reduction in DTH reaction in pesticide-treated groups, The reduction was more at 24 and 36 hr after challenge with DNFB. On histopathological examination, the skin of pesticide fed lambs showed mild mononuclear infiltration.