Cobalt induced changes in immune response and adenosine triphosphatase activities in rats

The immuno-biochemical effects of cobaltous chloride in rats receiving iron-sufficient and deficient diets were investigated. Rats receiving 100 ppm or more cobalt showed a significant reduction in thymus and body weights along with a marked decrease in hemoglobin, hematocrit, sheep agglutinins and plaque forming cells. These effects were more pronounced in rats receiving cobalt mixed with iron-deficient diet than those fed on iron-sufficient diet. The Na+-K+ and mitochondrial (Oligomycin-sensitive) Mg2+ATPase activities in brain and liver of rats fed with iron-deficient diets were decreased significantly. However, the ATPase activities in these tissues from rats fed with cobalt mixed with iron-sufficient diets were not altered.