Journal of Clinical and Cellular Immunology
Open Access

Abstract

Ameliorative Effect of Zinc Supplementation to Lead Exposed Goat Kids on Immune Status

Muneendra Kumar, Harjit Kaur, Bhupendra T. Phondba, Veena Mani, Gulab Chandra and Rijusmita Sarma Deka

In vivo studies were conducted to observe the adverse effects of lead and protective effect of zinc on lymphocyte proliferation and total immunoglobulins concentration in eighteen crossbred (Alpine x Beetal) male goat kids (around 6 months of age). They were divided into three groups i.e. Group I (Control), Group II (Control + 50 ppm Pb) and Group III (Control + 50 ppm Pb + 50 ppm Zn). All the kids were fed as per standard dietary requirements for a period of 90 days. Blood samples were collected on 0, 30, 60 and 90 days of Pb and Zn supplementation for lymphocyte separation and total immunoglobulin. A fixed no. of cells (2x10⁶) was grown in culture for 72 hours for studying the lymphocyte proliferation. Overall average lymphocyte proliferation response at the end of 90 days duration was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in Pb supplemented group II (1.088) as compared to groups I (1.440) and III (1.285). The adverse effect of lead on lymphocyte proliferation was recovered to some extent by Zn supplementation, but, it was still significantly less than the control, indicating that Zn addition in the diet of Pb exposed kids could not fully recover the animals from the adverse effect. Results revealed significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the mean Ig concentration (mg/ml) in group II, but it was similar in groups I and III. It may be concluded that supplementation of Zn in the diet of Pb exposed kids had a beneficial effect on lymphocyte proliferation and Ig concentration.