Effects of sustained stimulation with multi-wall carbon nanotubes on immune and inflammatory responses in mice

Abstract

-Possible effects of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on immune and inflammatory responses were examined in mice. Female ICR mice were given a single intraperitoneal administration (2 mg/kg body weight) of either MWCNTs, carbon black (CB), or crocidolite (blue asbestos) and controls received a vehicle of 2% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC Na). In the peritoneal cavity of MWCNT-administered mice, the liver had changed to a rounded shape and fibrous adhesions were seen on internal organs. Peritoneal cells overexpressed mRNA for genes of T helper (Th)2 cytokines (interleukin , Th17 cytokine (IL-17), pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines (IL-1β, IL-33, tumor necrosis factor α, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1), and myeloid differentiation factor 88 for at least 2 weeks after the administration of MWCNTs, while those of Th1 cytokine genes (IL-2 and interferon γ) were overexpressed several weeks later and expression levels remained high up to 20 weeks. In MWCNT-treated mice, the numbers of leukocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes in the peripheral blood and the expression of the leukocyte adhesion molecules, cluster of differentiation (CD)49d and CD54, on granulocytes were increased 1 week after administration and remained high up to week 20. Production of ovalbumin-specific IgM and IgG 1 was enhanced by MWCNTs. These changes were not observed after CB or crocidolite administration. Thus, this study showed that MWCNTs exhibited sustained stimulating effects on immune and inflammatory responses, unlike the other mineral fibers with structural similarities.

Systemic and immunotoxicity of pristine and PEGylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes in an intravenous 28 days repeated dose toxicity study

“…In the previous studies, p-MWCNTs have been shown to activate the monocytes or macrophages and induce pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion inflammation, which resulted in an increase in the immune response of nanotubes. 15,16 Similarly, the same sequence of research reported increases of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the allergy-like response detected by mice after intratracheal instillation of non-functionalized MWCNTs. 17 Meanwhile, it was also reported that MWCNTs could lead to systemic immune suppression in mice after whole-body inhalation, 18 and then the researchers demonstrated that MWCNTs could induce suppression of systemic immunity through activation of the cyclooxygenase pathway.…”

Intravenously delivered graphene nanosheets and multiwalled carbon nanotubes induce site-specific Th2 inflammatory responses via the IL-33/ST2 axis

“…In vivo studies have demonstrated that nanoparticles are capable of promoting inflammation or suppressing immune functions. [8][9][10] This nanoparticle-induced inflammatory response may have an impact on immune defense, and the Th1/Th2 balance. 3 Limited studies, however, have been focused on immune effects in vivo through iv injection, even though this will be a primary route for delivering nanomedicine.…”

Teratogenicity of asbestos in mice

“…Pleural inflammation was targeted regarding on induction of mesothelioma by carbon nanotubes and asbestos . Yamaguchi et al (2012) reported the stimulated immune and inflammatory responses from 1 to 20 weeks after intraperitoneal administration of MWCNT in female mice. In that study, effects of crocidolite were also examined to compare with those of MWCNT and the admin- istration of crocidolite fibers significantly increased the white blood cell counts, granulocyte counts and monocyto counts in peripheral blood at 1 week after the administration.…”