The role of zinc on anti-Newcastle disease virus specific antibody response and agranulocytes count in rabbits treated with methotrexate and prednisolone

Pak J Pharm Sci. 2012 Oct;25(4):845-9.

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) plays a pivotal role in highly proliferative tissues including immune system. The long-term therapy of neoplastic and autoimmune disorders is associated with immunosuppression and myleosuppression. In the current study role of Zn on anti-Newcastle disease virus response and agranulocytes count of methotrexate and prednisolone treated rabbits. Thirty six healthy rabbits were randomly segregated into six groups (group I to VI) each containing six rabbits. Oil based Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccine was administered subcutaneously to rabbits of all the groups at day 0 and 21 and after one week, all the groups received Zn, (Zn + prednisolone), prednisolone, (Zn + methotrexate) methotrexate orally from day 7 to day 21, except the control. The serum antibody titer, total and differential leukocyte count were measured weekly for 6 weeks. The administration of zinc in combination with methotrexate showed same antibody titer as that of the control suggesting that Zn has ability to counteract the methotrexate-induced immunosuppression. However, Zn did not show any significant impact in combination with prednisolone (p<0.05). The results of the present study indicate that co-administration of Zn and methotrexate is beneficial in the activity of immune system.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Granulocytes / drug effects*
  • Granulocytes / immunology
  • Granulocytes / virology
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology*
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Male
  • Methotrexate / administration & dosage
  • Methotrexate / pharmacology*
  • Newcastle disease virus / immunology*
  • Prednisolone / administration & dosage
  • Prednisolone / pharmacology*
  • Rabbits
  • Time Factors
  • Viral Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Viral Vaccines / immunology*
  • Zinc / administration & dosage
  • Zinc / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Viral Vaccines
  • Prednisolone
  • Zinc
  • Methotrexate