Evaluation of the potential immunotoxicity of 3-monochloro-1,2-propanediol in Balb/c mice

3-Monochloro-1,2-propanediol (MCPD) is a well-known by-product of acid-hydrolyzed soy sauce during its manufacturing process. To evaluate the immunotoxicity of MCPD, we investigated its effect on the thymic subset, delayed-type hypersensitivity, mixed-lymphocyte reaction and peritoneal macrophage activity. MCPD was administered by gavage for 14 days at 0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day to female Balb/c mice. The thymic subsets and annexin-V positive cells in thymic cells were quantified by flow cytometry. Mixed-lymphocyte reaction, delayed-type hypersensitivity and peritoneal macrophage activity were assessed. The mixed-lymphocyte reaction and delayed-type hypersensitivity were not significantly changed. However, there were significant increases in the apoptosis of mice treated with high dose of MCPD compared to the vehicle control. A significant decrease in the CD4+CD8+ thymic subset of mice treated with high dose of MCPD was observed. The activity of peritoneal macrophage was significantly reduced in high dose group. These results indicate that MCPD could modulate the immune function in Balb/c mice.