title: Effects of protein depletion and repletion on cell-mediated immunity in experimental animals.
abstract: Protein-calorie malnutrition leads to depression of host cell-mediated immunity. Nutritional repletion initially results in rapid weight gain followed by a more gradual return of immunocompetence. Administration of a synthetic amino acid diet to normal animals did not preserve body weight or cell-mediated immunity any better than did a high carbohydrate, protein-free diet. Administration of a synthetic amino acid diet to malnourished animals maintained body weight, but did not restore immunocompetence. Proper nutritional repletion should provide both adequate protein and nonprotein calories if a return of immunocompetence is to be anticipated.
mesh_terms: D000596:Amino Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation; D001835:Body Weight; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000378:metabolism; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D051381:Rats; D014374:Tuberculin Test
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004044:Dietary Proteins