EN
INTRODUCTION: In comparison with well documented data concerning the mechanisms of acute neurotoxic action of nerve agents such as soman (GD), the immunomodulatory properties of these compounds are still poorly understood, especially considering their long‑term effects. One promising candidate for mediation of GD-induced immunomodulation seems to be a suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS 3) – an intracellular protein which exhibits a wide variety of physiological effects on immune cell function. There also exists strong evidence to support SOCS3 as a crucial regulator of many disease processes in the central nervous system. AIM(S): The aim of the present study was to determine whether perinatal exposure to GD exerted distant action on the expression of mRNA encoding SOCS3 in selected tissue of the rats brain. METHOD(S): Studies were conducted on maternal generation (F0) and on first filial generation (F1) of Wistar rats. F0 animals were treated subcutaneously with a low (0.2×LD50) repeated dose of soman (o-pinacolyl methylphosphonofluoridate). GD was administrated first, in pregnancy, and subsequently during the lactation period. Six months after termination of GD exposure animals were anesthetised and immediately hippocampus, cerebellum and piriform cortex were obtained for subsequent analysis. Real-Time PCR with SYBR Green dye was used to evaluate the level of SOCS3 mRNA in selected structures of the brain. RESULTS: Intoxication with GD decreased significantly SOCS3 mRNA levels in the cerebellum and in the piriform cortex in F0 females and in their offspring of both sexes. The analogous tendency, but without statistical significance, was observed in the hippocampus of all experimental animals. CONCLUSIONS: The current data do not clarify distant signs and symptoms of soman exposure; however, a decrease in expression of SOCS3 following intoxication with GD may suggest a functional role of this protein in pathogenesis of GD-induced neurological disorders. FINANCIAL SUPPORT: This work was supported by Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education No O R00 0042 08, “Soldier as a precise weapon – packages and sets”.