Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-14-2008
Abstract
Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is used as a wood preservative and is found in human blood and urine. PCP causes significant decreases in the tumor-killing (lytic) function of human natural killer (NK) cells, a critical immune defense. The current study examined the association between decreased lytic function and decreased ATP levels, as well as the ability of antioxidants (vitamin E and reduced glutathione) to prevent PCP-induced decreases in either ATP levels or lytic function. Exposure of NK cells to 10 µm PCP decreased ATP levels by 15% at 24 h, and exposure to 5 µm PCP decreased ATP levels by 32% at 48 h. No effects were seen with 0.5 µm at 48 h or with 5 µm at 24 h. However, 10 µm PCP decreased lytic function by 69% at 24 h and 5 µm decreased it by 90% at 48 h. Even 0.5 µm PCP decreased lytic function by 46% at 48 h. None of these effects were prevented by pretreatment with 1 mm vitamin E or reduced glutathione.
Recommended Citation
Nnodu, U. and Whalen, M.M. (2008), Pentachlorophenol decreases ATP levels in human natural killer cells. J. Appl. Toxicol., 28: 1016-1020. https://doi.org/10.1002/jat.1367