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Related Experiment Videos

The effects of ascorbic acid on in vitro heterophil function.

C B Andreasen1, D E Frank

  • 1Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames 50014, USA.

Avian Diseases
|December 28, 1999
PubMed
Summary

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) supplementation enhances bacterial killing by chicken heterophils, particularly in younger birds. This suggests a role for vitamin C in improving poultry immune defense against bacterial infections.

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Area of Science:

  • Poultry immunology
  • Avian health
  • Nutritional immunology

Background:

  • Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is recognized for its immune-modulating properties in livestock.
  • It is known to mitigate stress and offer protection against diseases in chickens.
  • Understanding its specific effects on cellular immunity is crucial for optimizing poultry health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of ascorbic acid on the in vitro function of heterophils in broiler chickens.
  • To assess the effects on heterophil random migration, phagocytosis, and bacterial killing capacity.
  • To determine if age influences the response of heterophils to ascorbic acid.

Main Methods:

  • Heterophils were isolated from broiler chickens aged 5 to 16 weeks.

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  • In vitro assays were performed to measure random migration, phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus, and bacterial killing.
  • Ascorbic acid treatment was applied to heterophils prior to functional assays.

    • Main Results:

    • Ascorbic acid significantly increased the bacterial killing capacity of heterophils.
    • This enhancement in bacterial killing was more pronounced in younger chickens (5 to 10.5 weeks of age).
    • No significant effects of ascorbic acid were observed on phagocytosis or random migration, although a trend towards decreased random migration was noted.

    Conclusions:

    • Ascorbic acid supplementation can bolster the innate immune response in chickens by enhancing heterophil bacterial killing.
    • The immune-enhancing effects of ascorbic acid may be more critical in younger broiler chickens.
    • Further research could explore optimal ascorbic acid dosages for poultry immune support.