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Immunotoxicity of N-Butylbenzenesulfonamide (NBBS): Impacts on Immune Function in Adult Mice and Developmentally Exposed Rats

Victor J. Johnson1, Cynthia V. Rider2, Michael I. Luster1, Amy Brix3, Gary R. Burleson1, Michelle Cora2, Susan A. Elmore2, Rachel P. Frawley2, Franklin R. Lopez4, Esra Mutlu2, Keith R. Shockley2,5, Jessica Pierfelice6, Brian Burback6, Caroll A. Co7, Dori R. Germolec2

1Burleson Research Technologies, Inc., Morrisville, NC, USA
2Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
3Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc., Morrisville, NC, USA
4Charles River Laboratories, Morrisville, NC USA
5Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
6Battelle, Columbus, OH, USA
7Social and Scientific Systems Inc., a DLH Holdings Corp Company, Durham, NC, USA

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22427/NTP-DATA-500-005-003-000-3

Publication

Abstract

N-Butylbenzenesulfonamide (NBBS) is a high production volume plasticizer that is an emerging contaminant of concern for environmental and human health. To understand the risks and health effects of exposure to NBBS studies were conducted in adult exposed mice and developmentally exposed rats to evaluate the potential for NBBS to modulate the immune system. Beginning between 8-9 weeks of age, dosed feed containing NBBS at concentrations of 0, 313, 625, 1250, 2500 and 5000 ppm was continuously provided to B6C3F1/N female mice for 28 days. Dosed feed was also continuously provided to time-mated Harlan Sprague Dawley (Hsd:Sprague Dawley® SD®) rats at concentrations of 0, 250, 500 and 1000 ppm NBBS from gestation day (GD) 6 to postnatal day (PD) 28 and in F1 rats until 11-14 weeks of age. Functional assessments of innate, humoral and cell-mediated immunity were conducted in adult female mice and F1 rats following exposure to NBBS. In female mice, NBBS treatment suppressed the antibody forming cell response to SRBC with small increases in T cell responses and NK cell activity. In developmentally exposed rats, NBBS treatment-related immune effects were sex-dependent. A positive trend in NK cell activity occurred in male F1 rats while a negative trend occurred in female F1 rats. The AFC response to SRBC was decreased in female F1 rats but not in male F1 rats. These data provide evidence that oral exposure to NBBS has the potential to produce immunomodulatory effects on both innate and adaptive immune responses, and these effects appear to have some dependence on species, sex, and period of exposure (developmental vs. adult).

Immunotoxicology

Summary Tables - Rats

Summary Tables - Mice

Individual Animal Data - Rats

Individual Animal Data - Mice