Cytokine Production by Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear cells after Exposure to Heavy Metals

The effects of heavy metal exposure on the immune system were determined by measuring cytokine production of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (h-PBMCs) from a healthy female. The h-PBMCs were exposed for 3d to CdSO4, K2Cr2O7, and HgCl2 at 1, 5, 10μм and to (CH3COO)Pb at 10, 50, and 100μм. Concentrations of interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were quantified using the ELISA method. The results showed that cytokines assayed were differentially affected by heavy metal exposure. Chromium significantly increased the production of IL-1β while decreasing the production of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10. Mercury at low concentrations increased the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β. At higher concentrations, an opposite effect was seen. Cytokines may function as biomarkers in elucidating the mechanisms of the immunotoxic effects of heavy metals.