The investigation of the effects of inhaled formaldehyde on humoral immunity of rats

In our study it was aimed to find out the degree of effect of rats? humoral immunity, which were exposed to formaldehyde (FA) by inhalation in time period of subacute and subchronic periods.Study was performed on male Sprague-Dawley rats. Except for control group, all animals were exposed to FA gas performed by heated paraformaldehyde in systems specially prepared. 6 groups were chosen for control, subacute, subchronic groups during experiment stages. Five rats in control group and seven rats in experiment group were used. 5-10 ppm FA inhalation for subacute period; 5-10 ppm FA inhalation for subchronic period were used. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples of rats were collected and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for five minutes in order to seperate serums. In serums immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and complement 3 (C3) levels were investigated by the help of ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay).IgA, IgM and C3 levels in subacute groups were determined to be increased whereas IgG levels were determined to be decreased. In subchronic groups IgA, IgM and C3 levels were found to be decreased, but increased compared with subacute groups. IgG levels were found to be increased compared with subacute groups.As a conclusion this study showed that FA stimulating immune system increased IgA, IgM and C3 levels whereas depreased seconder immune response (IgG).Key Words: Formaldehyde, humoral immunity, ELISA