Experimental Immunotoxicology

Book excerpt: Immunotoxicology has emerged as a vital and expanding discipline over the past several years. Although the field of human immunotoxicology is arguably still in its infancy, a number of animal model systems have been well established and validated. Experimental Immunotoxicology provides an update on the recent advances in the field as it relates to animals and provokes discussion on approaches to the evaluation of human immunotoxicology. It is an important reference source for professionals in immunology and toxicology. The book begins with an overview of the mammalian immune system and covers the important role played by animal host susceptibility models. It also gives an update on immunotoxicolgy in sub-human primates. Vulnerability of bone marrow and the consequences of damage to immune function as well as chemical-induced immunosuppression as a consequence of exposure to chemicals are covered. Most of the chapters are organized to include a description of the profile of immunotoxicity, mechanisms of immunotoxicity, species comparisons and research needs.