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Polycarbonate and polystyrene nanoplastic particles act as stressors to the innate immune system of fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas)
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Researchers studied the effects of polycarbonate and polystyrene nanoplastic particles on the innate immune system of fathead minnows. The study found that these nanoplastics acted as stressors to the fish immune system, suggesting that small-scale plastic particles can interfere with immune function in freshwater organisms.
Water pollution with large-scale and small-scale plastic litter is an area of growing concern. Macro-plastic litter is a well-known threat to aquatic wildlife; however, the effects of micro-sized and nano-sized plastic particles on the health of organisms are not well understood. Small-scale plastic particles can easily be ingested by various aquatic organisms and potentially interfere with their immune system; therefore, the authors used a freshwater fish species as a model organism for nanoplastic exposure. Characterization of polystyrene (41.0 nm) and polycarbonate (158.7 nm) nanoplastic particles (PSNPs and PCNPs, respectively) in plasma was performed, and the effects of PSNPs and PCNPs on the innate immune system of fathead minnow were investigated. In vitro effects of PSNPs and PCNPs on neutrophil function were determined using a battery of neutrophil function assays. Exposure of neutrophils to PSNPs or PCNPs caused significant increases in degranulation of primary granules and neutrophil extracellular trap release compared to a nontreated control, whereas oxidative burst was less affected. The present study outlines the stress response of the cellular component of fish innate immune system to polystyrene and polycarbonate nanoparticles/aggregates and indicates their potential to interfere with disease resistance in fish populations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:3093-3100. © 2016 SETAC.
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Polycarbonate and polystyrene nanoparticles act as stressors to the innate immune system of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas, Rafinesque 1820)
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Researchers exposed fathead minnows to polycarbonate and polystyrene nanoparticles and found evidence of immune system stress, suggesting these nanoplastics act as cellular stressors even at small sizes. The study raises concerns that nanoplastic particles, which can pass through cell membranes, may suppress immune function in fish and potentially other vertebrates.
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