The influence of chemical carcinogens on natural killer cell function in rats. A comparison of 2-acetylaminofluorene with 4-acetylaminofluorene.

The influence of the carcinogen 2-acetylaminofluorene (2AAF) administration on splenic natural killer (NK) cell function in two strains of rats has been examined and compared with that of the non-carcinogenic analogue 4-acetylaminofluorene (4AAF). In both strains it was observed that daily exposure to 25 mg kg-1 2AAF induced a significant depression of both native and interferon (IFN)-activated NK cell function which was first apparent between 7 and 13 days following initiation of treatment. In contrast 4AAF failed to influence NK cell activity. These data indicate that 2AAF in common with some other carcinogens has the capacity to influence natural cytotoxic function and lend support to the hypothesis that carcinogenic potential may in some cases be associated with immunosuppressive properties.