Low dietary selenium induce increased apoptotic thymic cells and alter peripheral blood T cell subsets in chicken.
The purpose of this 42-day study was to investigate the effects of low selenium (Se) on immune function by determining histopathological changes of thymus, apoptosis of thymic cells, and subpopulation of peripheral blood T cells. One hundred twenty 1-day-old avian broilers were randomly assigned to two groups of 60 each and were fed on a low Se diet (0.0342 mg/kg Se) or a control diet (0.2 mg/kg Se), respectively. The relative weight of thymus was significantly decreased in low Se group from 21 days of age in time-dependent manner when compared with that of control group. Histopathologically, lymphopenia in the cortex and medulla of thymus was observed in low Se group. In comparison with those of control group, the percentage of Annexin-V positive cells was increased, and the percentages of CD3(+) and CD3(+)CD8(+) T cells of the peripheral blood were decreased in low Se group, as measured by flow cytometry. These data suggested that low dietary Se induced histological lesions of thymus, increased apoptosis of thymic cells, and decreased T cell subsets. The cellular immune function was finally impaired in broilers.
Peng
Xi
X
Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Environmental Hazards of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Yaan, Sichuan 625014, China.
Cui
Heng-min
HM
Deng
Junliang
J
Zuo
Zhicai
Z
Cui
Wei
W
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D002645:Chickens; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D012643:Selenium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects*; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology*
D012643:Selenium