Effects of subchronic exposure of nonylphenol on the expression of immune-related factors and estrogen receptors in the spleen of rats

Abstract Background Previous studies have shown that EDCs may activate nuclear transcription factor, such as activator protein-1 (AP-1), factor of activated Tcells (NF-AT) and kappa B (NF-?B) in the process immune damage. At same time, some experts believed estrogen play an important role this process. As a typical representative EDCs, nonylphenol (NP) has not been reported. The aim work was to explore relationship between inflammatory damage changes expression male rats during chronic exposure NP at environmental concentrations. Sixty SPF Sprague–Dawley were divided into five groups ( n = 12 per group): blank control group (corn oil), low-dose (0.4 mg/kg/d), medium-dose (4 high-dose (40 estradiol (E 2 : 30 ?g/kg/d). Results Compared with group, rat spleen organ coefficient, number nodules, relative area lymph nodes white pulp relatively reduced L (NP, 0.4 mg/kg) H 40 dose P < 0.001). Lymphocytes rich cytoplasm, mitochondria swollen, part cristae reduced, rough endoplasmic reticulum expanded. serum levels IgG 0.001) IgM 0.002) showed downward trend. percentage Th cells (CD3 + CD4 ) significantly decreased 0.001), lymphocytes shows opposite trend Giemsa staining neutrophils increased. expressions receptor ER-? ER-? protein increased AP-1 NF-AT increased, NF-KB IL-4, mRNA-seq bioinformatics detection final differentially expressed immune-inflammatory-related genes H-NP follow: down-regulated: TLR4, Gata3, IL12, up-regulated: TNF-a, IL10, INOS. mRNA ER-?, ER-?, NF-KB, IL4, AP-1, consistent results analysis. content correlated NF-AT, well IL-12 proteins tissue ([ r ] 1, 0.05). Conclusions Chronic concentration could cause dysfunction, resulting immunotoxicity effects, lead activity factors differential rats. Graphical