Role of α7-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors of B Cells in the Immunotoxic Effect of Organophosphorus Compounds.

Experiments on white non-inbred rats demonstrated that treatment with organophosphorus compound dimethyl dichlorovinyl phosphate (DDVP) decreased T cell-independent antibody production by B cells and blood levels of IL-10 and IL-12; a similar effect was produced by GTS-21, a selective agonist of α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. N-nicotinic receptor antagonist chlorisondamine in combination with DDVP partially prevented suppression of antibody production in comparison with the effect observed during intoxication with DDVP.