Effect of carotenoid β-cryptoxanthin on cellular and humoral immune response in rabbit

Vet Res Commun. 2014 Mar;38(1):59-62. doi: 10.1007/s11259-013-9584-8. Epub 2013 Dec 5.

Abstract

Beta-cryptoxanthin (b-Cr) is a pro-vitamin A and one of the major carotenoids that can be commonly found in mammalian serum and tissues. Foods rich in certain fatty acids are known to be effective to gain a healthy immune system. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of b-Cr on rabbit humoral and cellular immune responses to have a better vision about the mechanism of effect of carotenoids on immune system. Twenty rabbits were randomly divided into five groups (4 per group): Groups consisted of: 1) control group (normal saline; 2) b-Cr (control); 3) vaccine control; 4) 5 mg/kg b-Cr o.p. + vaccine; 5) 10 mg/kg b-Cr o.p. + vaccine. Blood samples were obtained from the marginal ear artery at three time points: days 0, 14 and 21 of the study. Blood CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes and Serum Immunoglobulin and Cytokines content were evaluated. Results show that b-Cr administration increased the blood CD4+ lymphocytes count (P > 0.01). Serum IgG, IgM and IgA levels increased (P > 0.05) following b-Cr administration. b-Cr treatment increased serum IL-4 levels (P > 0.05). According to presented results, b-Cr may increase the humoral immunity in mammals. So, it would possible has a potentially beneficial effect on health and on prevention of the immunity related diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • Cryptoxanthins
  • Immunity, Cellular / drug effects*
  • Immunity, Humoral / drug effects*
  • Immunoglobulins / blood
  • Interferon-gamma / blood
  • Interleukin-4 / blood
  • Male
  • Myxoma virus / immunology
  • Rabbits / immunology*
  • Random Allocation
  • Viral Vaccines / immunology
  • Xanthophylls / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Cryptoxanthins
  • Immunoglobulins
  • Viral Vaccines
  • Xanthophylls
  • Interleukin-4
  • Interferon-gamma