Immunological malfunctions associated with low selenium-vitamin E diets in lambs

Area of Science:

• Animal Nutrition
• Immunology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Nutritional myopathy in lambs is linked to deficiencies in selenium and vitamin E.
• Selenium and vitamin E are crucial antioxidants and play roles in immune function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of selenium and vitamin E deficiency on lymphocyte proliferation in lambs.
• To assess the recovery of immune function following supplementation.

Main Methods:

• Lambs were fed a diet deficient in selenium and vitamin E.
• Lymphoproliferative responses to phytohaemagglutinin were measured.
• Serum creatine kinase activity and opsonic capacity were assessed.

Main Results:

• Deficiency led to reduced lymphocyte responses and nutritional myopathy.
• Supplementation rapidly restored lymphocyte responses and decreased creatine kinase.
• No erythrocyte damage or phagocytic defects were observed, but opsonic capacity was reduced.

Conclusions:

• Selenium and vitamin E are vital for maintaining normal lymphocyte function in lambs.
• Nutritional myopathy is associated with impaired cell-mediated immunity.
• Restoration of these nutrients rapidly improves immune status.