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Vanadium stimulates immunological responses of chicks
M A Qureshi1, C H Hill, C L Heggen
1Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695-7608, USA. m_qureshi@ncsu.edu
Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology
|May 8, 1999
Summary
Dietary vanadium (V) supplementation positively impacts chick immune responses, enhancing antibody titers and macrophage function. Vanadium may boost immunity by increasing protein-tyrosinephosphate (PTP) levels.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
- Avian Biology
Background:
- Dietary phosphorus (P) and vanadium (V) interactions are crucial for animal health.
- Understanding these interactions is vital for optimizing poultry immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of dietary P and V levels on chick immune responses.
- To examine how V influences antibody production, macrophage activity, and lymphocyte profiles.
Main Methods:
- Chicks were fed varying levels of P and V.
- Antibody titers to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) were measured post-inoculation.
- Phagocytic macrophage activity and CD4/CD8 lymphocyte ratios were assessed.
- Interleukin (IL) activity and protein-tyrosinephosphate (PTP) levels were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Vanadium supplementation increased antibody titers (SRBC) in P-deficient and P-supplemented chicks.
- Dietary V enhanced macrophage phagocytic activity and SRBC uptake.
- Vanadium increased CD4/CD8 ratios and IL-6 activity in P-supplemented chicks.
- Dietary V increased protein-tyrosinephosphate (PTP) levels in macrophages.
Conclusions:
- Dietary vanadium positively modulates chick immune function, independent of P levels.
- Vanadium's immune-enhancing effects may be mediated by increased PTP.
- Further research is needed to clarify the P x V interaction on immunity.
