Immunopathological effects of carbofuran on humoral immune response in sheep

The man and animals are exposed to low level of pesticides residues in air, water and food chain. These can have deleterious effects on the physiological functions of various body systems and interfere with immune responses. To study the effect of carbofuran on humoral immune response in sheep, 8 six months old lambs were used in two groups of 4 lambs each. All the lambs were vaccinated with Brucella melitensis Rev. 1 at 0 and 90^th day. One group was given carbofuran daily orally at dose rate of 2.5 mg/kg b.wt. for 6 months. In blood, serum globulins and ã-globulins were estimated at 10 days interval. Standard tube agglutination test and ELISA measured specific humoral immune response at 10 days interval. In carbofuran fed lambs, significant suppression in serum globulins, ã-globulins and specific Brucella antibodies was seen in comparison to controls indicating immunosuppressive effect of the pesticide.