RESUMO
The information available concerning the effects of compounds utilized as pesticides on functions of the reticuloendothelial system is quite limited. Review of selected examples of such studies in this and other reports (3) reveals considerable diversity in terms of species of experimental animal, purity and dose of pesticide, length of exposure, and class of pesticide employed. Observations include depression, enhancement, or no significant effect on the selected reticuloendothelial system function studies. With the present available information it is difficult to formulate general conclusions or to predict whether or not any individual pesticide will consistently and significantly alter any specific function of the reticuloendothelial system. At the present time, it is not known if pesticides within a single chemical class act in a similar manner in regard to their ability to influence reticuloendothelial system function. In addition, the relationship, if any, between the toxic, mutagenic teratogenic, or carcinogenic potential of any pesticide and its ability to alter the reticuloendothelial system is also unknown. More extensive systematic studies in experimental animal models would appear to be required before protocols to effectively evaluate the potential of pesticides to influence reticuloendothelial system function in man can be developed.
