Indian Journal of Veterinary Pathology

Lindane and quinalphos insecticides were evaluated in avian lymphocytes for in-vitro effect on T and B-cell proliferation. The lymphocytes were treated with NOEL/10², NOEL/10³, NOEL/10⁴, NOEL/10⁵, NOEL/10⁶ and NOEL/10⁷ dose of insecticides for 30, 60 and 90 min and a group of cells were kept untreated control. The cells were collected for detection of T and B- lymphocyte proliferation. The proliferation of T- and B-lymphocytes was markedly reduced in insecticide treated groups in comparison to control indicating the down regulation of not only the number of the variable lymphocytes but also their proliferative activity required to mount immune response in birds. Results showed that insecticides even in very low doses can reduce proliferation of avian lymphocytes leading to a state of immunosuppression.