The immunoenhancing effects of dietary [beta]-carotene and canthaxanthin in chicks /
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Other Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1991.
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Link to OAKTrust copy |
| Abstract: | Two naturally occurring carotenoids namely β-carotene and canthaxanthin were studied to determine what impact if any, they had on the immune system of chicks. Single Comb White Leghorn chicks were used in all the experiments. In the first study chicks were fed a basal diet and a diet containing 0.02% β-carotene. At 4 and 6 weeks of age they were challenged with Newcastle disease virus. The virus (NDV B-1) was administered by the conjunctival route with each bird receiving one drop to each eye. Blood samples were collected by bronchial venipuncture at 6 and 8 weeks and sera extracted. All samples were analyzed for hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titer. A three fold increase in antibody production was noted for chicks fed added β-carotene. Both β-carotene and canthaxanthin were utilized in the second experiment at 0.005%, 0.01%, 0.02% and 0.04% weight of the diet. The birds were again challenged with NDV (Lasota). Blood and other tissue samples were collected and analyzed at 6 weeks for HI antibody titer, carotenoid composition, and retinal/retinol levels. Antibody titer increased at all levels of carotenoid supplementation when compared to the control groups. Significant differences in antibody titer were seen at three canthaxanthin levels and the highest level of β-carotene administered. Canthaxanthin deposition in skin, serum and liver increased significantly at all percentage supplementations. Although β-carotene concentration increased in the tissues measured, they were not all significantly higher than the control. The retinal concentration in liver, and skin was significantly higher at all levels of β-carotene supplementation. Feeding β-carotene and canthaxanthin did not increase B-lymphocyte proliferation in vitro. Analyses of bursal samples indicated a significant decrease in the mean follicle size of birds administered added carotenoids. [^3]H-thymidine uptake was significantly higher in the control groups. It can be inferred from these three studies that β-carotene and canthaxanthin enhances the immune response in chicks, but may depress B-lymphocyte blastogenesis. |
|---|---|
| Item Description: | Typescript (photocopy). Vita. "Major subject: Nutrition." |
| Physical Description: | xii, 124 leaves : illustrations ; 29 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |