Immunologic response and factors affecting its assessment.

The potential harmful effects of toxic compounds on the developing immune system are discussed. This discussion is illustrated by results of studies of the effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on the developing immune system of Fischer rats. While this compound and several others have been shown to have immunosuppressive effects, the available data do not support routine evaluation of the consequence of chemical exposure to the developing immune system.