[Experimental studies on effects of zinc and germanium on immune function and anti-oxidation in mice]

Zinc and germanium concentrations in serum, liver and muscle of mice, T-lymphocyte subgroup proportion, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malonodialdehyde (MDA) were determined to study whether there exist synergism or antagonism between zinc and germanium. Results showed there existed, to certain extent, competitive effects of serum zinc and germanium in mice. When concentration of serum zinc increased, that of germanium decreased, or vise versa. There existed certain relationship between zinc and germanium concentrations in serum and those in muscle and liver of mice, and between those and CD3 count and SOD activity. Immune function in mice was influenced and their T-lymphocyte subgroup proportion changed with changes in serum zinc and germanium concentrations. With increased germanium and decreased zinc serum concentrations, CD3 and CD1 counts decreased, CD8 count unchanged, and the ratio of CD1 to CD3 decreased, which showed certain antagonist effects of them as they operated together. But, no antagonism was observed in their anti-oxidant effects, SOD activity increased to varied extent, and the level of MDA decreased.