title: The effect of ascorbate on cellular humoral immunity in asthmatic children.
abstract: Ten White children with bronchial asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction were assessed immunologically before and 1, 3 and 6 months after the commencement of standard therapy supplemented with ascorbate 1 g/d. The tests of cellular immune function were neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis and resting and stimulated nitroblue tetrazolium reduction, and lymphocyte mitogen-induced transformation. Humoral functions measured were secretory IgA, serum immunoglobulins, alpha 1-antitrypsin, C3, C4 and total haemolytic complement, antistreptolysin O (ASO) and C-reactive protein. Radio-allergosorbent testing to the common allergens Cynodon dactylon (grass), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (mite), house dust and cat epithelium was performed on each child before and 3 and 6 months after treatment. Two children had depressed neutrophil motility, 4 had depressed lymphocyte transformation, and 7 had elevated levels of ASO. These functions normalized after 6 months of ascorbate-supplemented therapy. Serum total IgE levels but not specific IgE levels were likewise reduced after 6 months of therapy. Reduced levels of serum alpha 1-antitrypsin were observed in 2 children, and remained unchanged throughout the study.
mesh_terms: D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000187:drug effects*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D002634:Chemotaxis, Leukocyte / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects*; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000187:drug effects; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D007136:Immunoglobulins; D001205:Ascorbic Acid