Mechanisms of immunotoxic effects of acrylonitrile.

Cholinesterase reactivator dipyroxime and hydrogen cyanide antidote anticyan partially restore cell and humoral immune response in mice after acute acrylonitrile poisoning (0.5 LD(50)). When used in combination these drugs virtually completely prevented the suppression of immune reactions. The main mechanism of immunotoxic effect of acrylonitrile is mediated through inhibition of T lymphocyte esterases and a(3) component of cytochrome c oxidase of immunocyte mitochondrial respiration enzymes, which is important for prevention and treatment of immune disturbances caused by this toxin.