Effect of dietary high molybdenum on peripheral blood T-cell subsets and serum IL-2 contents in broilers

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2011 Sep;142(3):517-22. doi: 10.1007/s12011-010-8768-0. Epub 2010 Jul 20.

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of dietary high molybdenum (Mo) on immune function by determining changes of the subsets of peripheral blood T-cells and serum interleukin (IL)-2 contents. 300 1-day-old avian broilers were divided into four groups and fed on a corn-soybean basal diet as control diet or the same diet amended to contain 500; 1,000; and 1,500 mg/kg of Mo supplied as sodium molybdate dihydrate. In comparison with those of the control group, the percentages of CD3(+), CD3(+)CD4(+) and CD3(+)CD8(+) were decreased in 1,000 and 1,500 mg/kg of Mo intake groups from 14 days of age to 42 days of age. Also, the serum IL-2 contents were decreased in 1,000 and 1,500 mg/kg of Mo intake groups from 14 days of age to 42 days of age. Histopathologically, hypocellularity appeared in the thymus in 1,000 and 1,500 mg/kg of Mo intake groups. It was concluded that dietary high-Mo (1,000 mg/kg and 1,500 mg/kg) reduced the percentages of peripheral blood T-cell subsets and serum IL-2 contents and caused thymic lesions. The cellular immune function was finally injured in broilers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • Chickens / immunology
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Interleukin-2 / blood*
  • Molybdenum / administration & dosage
  • Molybdenum / pharmacology*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / drug effects*

Substances

  • Interleukin-2
  • Molybdenum
  • sodium molybdate(VI)