Effect of dietary vitamin E and selenium on the phytohaemagglutinin response of pig lymphocytes.
A whole-blood lymphocyte transformation test was used to study the effect of dietary vitamin E and selenium supplementation on the phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) response of peripheral pig lymphocytes. Six groups of pigs were given various amounts of alpha-tocopherol and, or, sodium selenite for a period of 12 weeks. At the end of the experiment all groups given additional vitamin E and, or, selenium showed increased PHA-response. Vitamin E supplementation enhanced the mitogen response at all tested levels of selenium addition. The activities of the different cell types involved in increased immune response due to vitamin E and selenium supplementation are discussed.
D000818:Animals; D004032:Diet; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000201:enzymology; D005260:Female; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase / Q000097:blood; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020887:Selenious Acid; D012643:Selenium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013552:Swine / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*
D010835:Phytohemagglutinins; D014810:Vitamin E; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase; D020887:Selenious Acid; D012643:Selenium