ALTERED MONONUCLEAR CELL IMMUNE RESPONSE IN WOMEN EXPOSED TO DES IN UTERO

Abstract

In utero diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure results in long term reproductive consequences. Preliminary evidence suggests a link between prenatal DES exposure and long term alterations in the immune system. To further test this hypothesis, we compared the phytohemaglutinin (PHA) and concavlin A (con A) induced blastogenic response of mononuclear cell in prenatally exposed women (n=13) to age matched non DES exposed women (n=9). 15 ml. of whole blood obtained during the early follicular phase of cycling women were heparinized, diluted 1:2, layered over ficoll-paqun density gradient. The mononuclear cells were washed X 3 (10%, R.P.M.I. 1640). Aliquots (final cone, of 5 × 10⁵ml). Either PHA (7.5ug-1ug/ml) or Con-A were added to each well. After 48 hours of incubation at 37° C the cells were pulsed with 1 Cμ-thymidine(H-Td), reincubated for 18 hours, harvested, counted, and a geometric mean of 3 determinations obtained.

Results: Decreasing H-Td proliferation responses paralleled declining mitogen concentrations both with PHA and Con-A. Con-A showed no significantly different response in cells from DES subjects compared to controls. In contrast, PHA responses were greater in DES subjects (p<.005 2 way ANOVA).

These data indicate long lasting effects on the immune system in DES exposed women. Such lasting effects on the immune system may be accounted for by a genomic mechanism altering the cellular responses in daughter cells throughout the reproductive years.

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account

Continue with Google

Continue with ORCiD