Biologic Markers in Immunotoxicology

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(you can read it online for free - however, it is 13 years old)

http://books.nap.edu/catalog/1591.html

Biologic Markers in Immunotoxicology

Subcommittee on Immunotoxicology, Committee on Biologic Markers, Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology, National Research Council

Are environmental pollutants threatening the human immune system? Researchers are rapidly approaching definitive answers to this question, with the aid of biologic markers--sophisticated assessment tools that could revolutionize detection and prevention of certain diseases.This volume, third in a series on biologic markers, focuses on the human immune system and its response to environmental toxicants. The authoring committee provides direction for continuing development of biologic markers, with strategies for applying markers to immunotoxicology in humans and recommended outlines for clinical and field studies.This comprehensive, up-to-date volume will be invaluable to specialists in toxicology and immunology and to biologists and investigators involved in the development of biologic markers.

ContentsLIST OF TABLES AND FIGURESLIST OF ABBREVIATIONSSUMMARY Hypersensitivity Autoimmunity Immune Suppression Clinical Application of Existing Immunotoxicologic Biomarkers Role of Biologic Markers of Immunotoxicity in Epidemiology Indoor Air Pollution and Multiple Chemical SensitivityINTRODUCTION Biologic Markers Validity of Biologic Markers Uncertainty and Risk Ethical and Practical Issues Structure of the ReportTHE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE SYSTEM AND MECHANiSMS OF IMMUNOTOXICITY Development and Function of the Immune System Mechanisms of Chemically Induced Immune Disease Effects of Xenobiotics on the Immune SystemBIOLOGIC MARKERS FOR IMMUNE-MEDIATED DISEASE Definition of the Problem Exposure Through Inhalation (Pulmonary Hypersensitivity) Exposure Through Ingestion Dermal Exposure Nonspecific Immune Enhancement Biologic Markers of Hypersensitivity Animal Models for Detecting Chemically Mediated Hypersensitivity Summary Recommendations for Future Research IgE and Cellular ImmunityAUTOIMMUNE DISEASES Definition of the Problem Incidence of Autoimmune Diseases Susceptibility Versus Exposure Xenobiotic-Induced Autoimmunity Mechanisms Animal Models Biologic Markers Major Histocompatibility Complex Immunoglobulin Allotypes Other Genetic Markers Rate of Acetylation Summary and Conclusions THE CAPACITY OF TOXIC AGENTS TO COMPROMISE THE SYSTEM (BIOLOGIC IRSOF IMMUNOSUPPRESSION Consequences of Immunosuppression Environmental Contaminants Inhalation and Immunosuppression Skin and Immunosuppression Myelotoxicity and Immunosuppression Difficulties in Establishing Human Risk Factors That act Susceptibility Importance of Mechanistic Studies Summary RecommendationsMODELS FOR USE IN DETECTING IMMUNOTOXIC POTENTIAL ANDDETERMINING MECHANISMS OF ACTION Animal Immunotoxicity Bioassays Assay of Pulmonary Immunocompetence Assay Requiring Additional Development Use of Immunotoxicity Bioassays Summary RecommendationsHUMAN IMMUNE-SYSTEM BIOLOGIC MARKERS OF IMMUNOTOXICITY Tests for Assessing Immunity Test of the Humoral Immune System Cellular Immune System Other Tests Opportunities for Development of Biologic Markers That Assess the Effect of Immunotoxicants Proposed Testing Regimen Summary RecommendationsAPPLICATION OF BIOLOGIC OF IMMUNOTOXICITY IN EPIDEMIOLOGY Epidemiology Contribution of Biologic Markers to Epidemiology Variability in Reference Populations Sensitivity, Specificity, and Predictive Value Authentication of the Event Status Study Design Reference Populations Case Studies RecommendationsUSE OF BIOLOGIC MARKERS IN CONTROVERSIAL AREA OF ENVIRONMENTALHEALTH Evidence of Exposure to Organic Chemicals Health Effects of Indoor Air Contaminants Case Definitions of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome Immune-System Dysfunction in Ma Patients Biologic Markers of Sensitivity to Chemicals Antibodies to Formaldehyde-Human Serum Albumin Adducts Conclusions RecommendationsSUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS Chemical-Induced Immunosuppression in Humans Role of Environmental Chemical Exposure in Hypersensitivity and Autoimmune Diseases Animal and In Vitro Models Markers of Skin and Mucosal Responses Education and Training Environmental Exposures and Sensitivity SyndromesREFERENCESGLOSSARYBIOGRAPHIESINDEXADDENDUM: MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY