Honors College Theses

Publication Date

4-24-2024

Major

Biochemistry (B.S.)

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (restricted to Georgia Southern)

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Worlanyo Eric Gato

Abstract

Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) is a type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substance that consists of a four-carbon chain connected to a fluorine and a sulfonic acid functional group. PFAS have a variety of uses and are abundant in the environment. PFBS toxicity in the spleen was investigated. Sprague Dawley rats ingested various amounts of PFBS-laden diet. using Sprague Dawley rats. A histological analysis of the spleen did not show major damage. However, gene expression of splenic transcripts related to inflammation, immunological and cytokines were affected. Serum LDH levels were slightly elevated in animals that ingested PFBS. There was an overall increase of the weight of the animals in the higher dosage groups in comparison to the control group. Overall, the ingestion of PFBS has some toxicological effects on the spleen, and thus the health of the rats.

Thesis Summary

The goal of this study was to compare the immunological reactions of PFBS and its response in the spleen. This was done through histological analysis of the spleen, total RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis and gene expression, and the analysis of SYK serum levels in cell supernatants.

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