Effects of noise and low‐concentration carbon monoxide exposure on rat immunity

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immunotoxicity and effects of noise and/or low‐concentration carbon monoxide (CO) exposure on immune organs and immune functions in rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats exposed to 98 dB(A) white noise and/or 100 ppm CO 4 h/d for 30 d were used to determine the pathological changes in the thymus and spleen, and variations in leukocyte counts, inflammatory factors, and immunoglobulin (Ig) concentrations. RESULTS: The boundaries of the cortex and medulla of the thymus were unclear following noise and combined exposure. The pathological changes in spleen after CO and combined exposure included blurred boundaries of red‐pulp and white‐pulp, disappearance of normal splenic nodules and neutrophil infiltration. After exposure to noise and in combination, leukocyte and lymphocyte counts decreased significantly. After exposure to low‐concentration CO and in combination, serum IgM and IgG levels decreased significantly, but the levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α and interferon‐γ levels increased significantly. Eosinophils and IgA levels decreased significantly following exposure to noise and/or low concentration of CO, while the level of interleukin‐1 increased significantly. Monocytes increased significantly only under noise or CO exposure, but not under combined exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Noise and/or low‐concentration CO exposure may suppress innate and adaptive immune functions and induce inflammatory responses. Noise exposure mainly affected the innate immune function of rats, whereas low‐concentration CO exposure mainly affected adaptive immune functions. Combined exposure presented higher immunotoxicity than noise or CO alone, suggesting that exposure to noise and low‐concentration CO in the living and working environments can affect the immune system.