ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the effects of triclosan (TCS) on the immune function of mice. Methods Forty male and female Kunming mice (25±2 g) were selected. The animals were divided into 5 groups according to body weight ratio, including a blank control (saline solution) group, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group, and three triclosan solution groups (59.375 mg/kg, 118.75 mg/kg, and 237.5 mg/kg, respectively). There were 8 mice in each group, half male and half female. Animals were treated with TCS by intragastric administration once a day for two weeks. Upon the completion of the treatment, animals were sacrificed, the spleen, thymus and other tissues were collected, and the ratios of their weight to body weigh were calculated. The peripheral blood was taken by eye-ball removal method, and the half hemolysis value was determined. Results Compared with the positive control group, the spleen index of male mice in the medium dose group and high dose group increased significantly (P < 0.05), and the spleen index of female mice in the high dose group showed significant difference (P < 0.05). Compared with the positive control group, the thymus index of male high dose group was significantly different (P < 0.05). The thymus indexes of female high, medium, and low dose groups all were significantly different compared to the control group (P < 0.05). HC50 results showed that the HC50 of both male and female mice decreased (P < 0.05). Conclusion High concentration of triclosan can inhibit the immune function of Kunming mice.