Immunopathological effects of lindane on humoral immune response in sheep

Organochlorine group of pesticides have property of persistence in environment resulting in their residues in most food stuffs. The continuous intake of these pesticides even in low doses may have deleterious effect on body's immune system. To study the effect of lindane on humoral immune response in sheep, 8 lambs, six months old were used in two groups of 4 lambs each. These lambs were vaccinated with Brucella melitensis rev. 1 at day zero and day 90. One group was given lindane daily orally at dose rate of 1.25 mg/kg b.wt. for 6 months. Serum globulin and gamma globulins were estimated in blood at 10 days interval. Specific humoral immune response was measured by standard tube agglutination test and ELISA at 10 days interval. There was significant suppression in serum globulins, gamma globulins and specific brucella antibodies in lambs fed lindane in comparison to controls indicating immunosuppressive effect ofthe pesticide.