Effect of polychlorinated biphenyl, dibenzofuran and dibenzo-p-dioxin on the susceptibility of male mice to endotoxin.

The effect of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), dibenzofuran (CDF) and dibenzo-p-dioxin (CDD) on endotoxin sensitivity was studied in male mice. The oral administration of CDF and CDD, once a week for 4 weeks, increased endotoxin sensitivity, whereas, PCB was not affective. On the other hand, residual levels of PCB were detected in thymus but CDF and CDD were not.