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Experimental zinc deficiency: effects on cellular responses and the affinity of humoral antibody
1Department of Clinical Sciences, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, England.
Mice genetically selected for the production of either high- or low-affinity antibody were fed on diets sufficient or deficient in zinc. The effect of zinc deficiency on immune responses in these animals was analysed in terms of cell-mediated responses and the levels and affinity of antibody produced in response to immunization with T-dependent and T-independent antigens. In comparison with animals fed zinc-containing diets, mice fed zinc-deficient diets had reduced numbers of T cells and T-cell subsets, reduced proliferation to mitogens and specific antigen, and a decreased production of interleukin 2 (IL-2), but the number and affinity of IL-2 receptors were not affected. Furthermore, zinc-deficient animals produced reduced levels of antibody to the T-dependent antigen DNP-human serum albumin, but the affinity of this antibody was significantly elevated compared with that produced by zinc-sufficient animals. However, zinc deficiency had no effect on the levels and affinity of antibody produced to the T-independent antigen DNP-ficoll.
Mice genetically selected for the production of either high- or low-affinity antibody were fed on diets sufficient or deficient in zinc. The effect of zinc deficiency on immune responses in these animals was analysed in terms of cell-mediated responses and the levels and affinity of antibody produced in response to immunization with T-dependent and T-independent antigens. In comparison with animals fed zinc-containing diets, mice fed zinc-deficient diets had reduced numbers of T cells and T-cell subsets, reduced proliferation to mitogens and specific antigen, and a decreased production of interleukin 2 (IL-2), but the number and affinity of IL-2 receptors were not affected. Furthermore, zinc-deficient animals produced reduced levels of antibody to the T-dependent antigen DNP-human serum albumin, but the affinity of this antibody was significantly elevated compared with that produced by zinc-sufficient animals. However, zinc deficiency had no effect on the levels and affinity of antibody produced to the T-independent antigen DNP-ficoll.