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The novel application of an immunological technique reveals the immunosuppressive effect of phytoestrogens in Betta splendens
Author(s) -
Ardia D. R.,
Clotfelter E. D.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/j.0022-1112.2006.00962.x
Subject(s) - phytoestrogens , biology , immune system , phytohaemagglutinin , genistein , fish <actinopterygii> , immunology , zoology , endocrinology , fishery , estrogen
The novel application of a standard technique to assess cell‐mediated immune response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) injected in the caudal peduncle in a small fish (<2 g) to test the immunosuppressive effect of three phytoestrogens: genistein, equol and β‐sitosterol is described. Individual Betta splendens exposed to these oestrogenic chemicals produced weaker inflammatory responses to PHA than did control individuals, suggesting that phytoestrogens are immunosuppressive. This technique should enable immune function in fish species, too small to provide sufficient blood for conventional immunological measures, to be assessed.