Abstract:

Researchers conducted controlled laboratory exposures of mice to Deepwater Horizon oil. After exposure, immune function parameters (cytokines, regulatory T cell counts, and lymphocyte proliferation) were measured to assess the immunomodulatory effects of the oil on exposed mice and their unexposed progeny to assess the potential for multi-generational effects.

Suggested Citation:

Sylvain De Guise, Milton Levin, and Lindsay Jasperse. 2020. Immune function of laboratory strain mice exposed to Deepwater Horizon oil. Distributed by: GRIIDC, Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/n7-qf5g-zv19

Purpose:

The purpose of this project is to evaluate the direct effects of oil exposure upon experimental exposure in mice to investigate the cause and effect relationship (in mice) and strengthen the weight of evidence between the changes observed in live dolphins and oil exposure.

Data Parameters and Units:

Animal.ID Unique mouse identifier* Group Exposed to oil or unexposed control Generation Directly exposed (F0), directly exposed with a 47 day recovery (F0 + recovery) or unexposed offsprings from exposed or unexposed parents (F1) IL1a_pg/ml Cytokine levels in pg/ml. Measured using a mouse kit. IL1b_pg/ml Cytokine levels in pg/ml. Measured using a mouse kit. IL2_pg/ml Cytokine levels in pg/ml. Measured using a mouse kit. IL4_pg/ml Cytokine levels in pg/ml. Measured using a mouse kit. IL5_pg/ml Cytokine levels in pg/ml. Measured using a mouse kit. IL6_pg/ml Cytokine levels in pg/ml. Measured using a mouse kit. IL7_pg/ml Cytokine levels in pg/ml. Measured using a mouse kit. IL10_pg/ml Cytokine levels in pg/ml. Measured using a mouse kit. IL12_pg/ml Cytokine levels in pg/ml. Measured using a mouse kit. IL13_pg/ml Cytokine levels in pg/ml. Measured using a mouse kit. IL17a_pg/ml Cytokine levels in pg/ml. Measured using a mouse kit. IFNy_pg/ml Cytokine levels in pg/ml. Measured using a mouse kit. TNFa_pg/ml Cytokine levels in pg/ml. Measured using a mouse kit. GMCSF_pg/ml Cytokine levels in pg/ml. Measured using a mouse kit. TGFb_pg/ml Cytokine levels in pg/ml. Measured using a human kit documented b manufacturer to cross react with mice. net.perc.blood.Tregs The proportion of Treg cells in blood calculated as the proportion of CD4+/CD25+/FOXP3+ in labeled samples from which the proportion of positive cells labeled with isotype control was subtracted. net.perc.spleen.Tregs The proportion of Treg cells in spleen single cell suspension calculated as the proportion of CD4+/CD25+/FOXP3+ in labeled samples from which the proportion of positive cells labeled with isotype control was subtracted. Lymp.prolif_NM_OD Lymphocyte proliferation without mitogen stimulation Lymp.prolif_0.1ConA_OD Lymphocyte proliferation with 0.1 µg/ml ConA Lymp.prolif_1ConA_OD Lymphocyte proliferation with 1 µg/ml ConA Lymp.prolif_0.1PHA_OD Lymphocyte proliferation with 0.1 µg/ml PHA Lymp.prolif_1PHA_OD Lymphocyte proliferation with 1 µg/ml PHA Lymp.prolif_0.05LPS_OD Lymphocyte proliferation with 0.05 µg/ml LPS Lymp.prolif_5LPS_OD Lymphocyte proliferation with 5 µg/ml LPS Lymp.prolif_0.1ConA_SI Lymphocyte proliferation with 0.1 µg/ml ConA Lymp.prolif_1ConA_SI Lymphocyte proliferation with 1 µg/ml ConA Lymp.prolif_0.1PHA_SI Lymphocyte proliferation with 0.1 µg/ml PHA Lymp.prolif_1PHA_SI Lymphocyte proliferation with 1 µg/ml PHA Lymp.prolif_0.05LPS_SI Lymphocyte proliferation with 0.05 µg/ml LPS Lymp.prolif_5LPS_SI Lymphocyte proliferation with 5 µg/ml LPS

Methods:

Mice were exposed to oil via gavage. Following exposure, the direct effects of oil exposure (compared to unexposed controls) on immune functions were measured. In the second group of mice, exposed and control female mice were mated to unexposed male mice. Immune functions in the 6-week old offsprings of exposed and control mice were measured without further exposure, to assess the potential multi-generational effects. The mothers were allowed to recover for 47 days (which includes pregnancy and weaning of their offspring) after the end of the exposure and measured effects on the immune system. Serum cytokines were measured using commercial kits and the multiplex luminex platform, the proportion of blood and spleen Treg cells, and the ability of lymphocytes to proliferate following stimulation of T and B cells with mitogens were also assessed.

Individual Files: