Effects of Ethanol and Saccharin on the Immune Response in Rats

랏트에 있어서 에탄올과 삭카린이 면역반응에 미치는 영향

Experiments were performed to investigate effects of ethanol and saccharin on the immune system in rats. 4% ethanol and 0.02, 0.20, 2.00% saccharin solution in 4% ethanol were provided ad libitum by tap water for 4 weeks. Rats were sensitized and challenged with sheep red blood cells (S-RBC). Immune responses were evaluated by relative immuno organ weight, antibody production, Arthus reaction, delayed type hypersensitivity, and rosette forming cell. Ethanol exposure decreased thymus weight and delayed type hypersensitivity. A combined solution of ethanol and saccharin decreased water intake, growth rate, spleen weight, thymus weight, humoral and cellular immune response. Especially, a 2% saccharin solution in 4% ethanol very significantly suppressed cellular immunity.