Abstract
Immunotoxic pollutants may lead to two main types of effects: immunosuppression or dysregulation of the immune response leading to hypersensitivity and autoimmunity. While immunosuppressive effects have been reported, hypersensitivity reactions in marine mammals have been rarely investigated.
In this study metal sensitivities in a gray seal were determined with a lymphocyte transformation assay (LTT) according to the MELISA (memory lymphocyte immuno-stimulation assay). In addition, the expression of characteristic cytokines of T-helper cells 1 (Th1), interleukin-2, and T-helper cells 2 (Th2), interleukin-4, were investigated; a Th1/Th2 polarization toward Th1 would support a finding of metal hypersensitivity. Finally, the concentrations of metals in blood were analyzed as a reflection of recent exposure to metals and hence the actual body burden.
The gray seal investigated showed a hypersensitivity reaction to 2 of 16 metals: Be and Ni. These results were supported by the cytokine pattern. Additionally, elevated concentrations for Be were found in blood.
In conclusion, the MELISA-LTT is a useful tool to investigate this immunological dysfunction in marine mammals validated by different approaches.
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