Combined effects of toxicants with various mechanisms of action and mechanical trauma on the immune system.

Experiments on Wistar rats showed that the combined action of mechanical trauma and organophosphorus compound dimethyl dichlorovinyl phosphate a dose of 0.8 LD50 was accompanied by summation of their immunosuppressive effects. We observed an additive effect in relation to stimulation of the adrenal cortex. Treatment with general chemical toxicants (acrylic acid nitrile and acetonitrile, 0.8 LD50) alone or in combination with mechanical trauma produced similar increase in plasma corticosterone concentration. This effect was short-lasting and less pronounced compared to the influence of dimethyl dichlorovinyl phosphate. The immunosuppressive effect of trauma and nitriles is primarily related to the influence of poisons.