MECHANISMS OF THE TOXIC EFFECTS OF INTRAUTERINE AND EARLY POSTNATAL PESTICIDE EXPOSURE ON IMMUNE SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT IN OFFSPRING

The study aimed to identify the mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of intrauterine and early postnatal pesticide exposure on immune system development in offspring. Experiments were conducted on pregnant rats exposed to lambda-cyhalothrin or fipronil during pregnancy and lactation. Morphometric, electron microscopic, immunohistochemical, hormonal, and biochemical methods were used to assess structural and functional changes in the thymus, peripheral immune organs, and thyroid gland of offspring. The results demonstrated delayed growth and maturation of immune and endocrine organs, suppression of proliferative activity, and significant enhancement of apoptosis in thymic and thyroid tissues. Pesticide exposure also induced hypothyroidism and oxidative stress, particularly under fipronil exposure. The findings indicate that developmental immunotoxicity is mediated by endocrine-disrupting effects, oxidative stress, and imbalance between cell proliferation and apoptosis. These mechanisms contribute to impaired immune system development during critical periods of ontogenesis.

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