Immunotoxicity and allergenic potential induced by topical application of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in a murine model. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shane, Hillary L.; Baur, Rachel; Lukomska, Ewa; Weatherly, Lisa; Anderson, Stacey E.
• Is Part Of: Food and chemical toxicology. Volume 136(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Allergy -- Immune suppression -- Immunotoxicity -- Perfluorooctanoic acid; ANOVA analysis of variance -- DC dendritic cell -- DLN draining lymph nodes -- HCA α-hexylcinnamaldehyde -- LLNA local lymph node assay -- NF- κB nuclear factor kappa B -- PFAS per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance -- PFC plaque forming cells -- PFOA Perfluorooctanoic acid -- PPARα alpha isotype of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors -- SRBC sheep red blood cell -- TSLP thymic stromal lymphopoietin; Toxicology -- Periodicals; Food poisoning -- Periodicals; Food Poisoning -- Periodicals; Toxicology -- Periodicals; Toxicologie -- Périodiques; Intoxications alimentaires -- Périodiques; Food poisoning; Toxicology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 615.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111114
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0278-6915

Abstract

Abstract: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) once used as a surfactant in the polymerization of chemicals. Because of its ubiquitous nature and long half-life, PFOA is commonly detected in the environment, wildlife, and humans. While skin exposure to PFOA is of concern, studies evaluating the immunotoxicity of dermal exposure are lacking. These studies evaluated the immunotoxicity of PFOA (0.5–2% w/v, or 12.5–50 mg/kg/dose) following dermal exposure using a murine model. PFOA (0.5–2%) was not identified to be an irritant or sensitizer using the local lymph node assay. The IgM antibody response to sheep red blood cell. was significantly reduced in the spleen following 4-days of dermal exposure (2%). PFOA exposure produced a significant decrease in thymus (1 and 2%) and spleen (0.5–2%) weight along with an increase in liver weight (0.5–2%). Immune cell phenotyping identified a reduction in the frequency (1 and 2%) and number (0.5–2%) of splenic B-cells. To further define the mechanism of immunotoxicity, gene expression was also evaluated in the skin. The findings support a potential involvement of the nuclear receptor PPARα. These results demonstrate that dermal exposure to PFOA is immunotoxic and raise concern about potential adverse effects from dermal exposure. Highlights: Health effects related to dermal exposure to PFAS are largely unexplored. Dermal exposure to PFOA induces immunotoxicity in a murine model. Health outcomes of dermal exposure are comparable to oral exposure. Exposure to PFOA alters genes involved with skin integrity.