Immunization prevents DDT buildup in mouse tissues

DDT is used for pest control, causing health and environmental hazards in some parts of the world. The goal of this study was to assess whether immunization against a toxic compound could reduce the toxicant uptake of an organism, specifically to develop a DDT immunization that promotes the production of specific antibodies and assess whether it reduces DDT levels in the bodies of mice that are exposed to DDT by intake. BALB/c mice were immunized with DDT-keyhole limpet hemocyanine (DDT-KLH) conjugate (n = 10) or unconjugated KLH (n = 10), which was used as a control. After the immunization specific DDT antibodies in the mouse serum were determined by ELISA and then the mice were fed chow containing 40 mg/kg of DDT for 45 days. Finally, the concentration of DDT and its metabolites, DDE and DDD, in various tissues was measured by gas chromatography. Specific DDT antibody levels were significantly higher in the DDT immunized group than in the control group. DDT, DDE and DDD levels in adipose tissue, blood, brain and spleen were significantly reduced in the DDT immunized animals relative to control animals. However, DDT and DDD levels were higher in the liver compared to the control group. The findings indicate that the DDT immunization reduces the total uptake of DDT in animal tissues, which is reflected by the lower levels in adipose tissue, blood, brain and spleen. The elevated levels in liver suggest that DDT-antibody complexes in mouse serum are delivered to the liver.