Abstract
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.
Highlights
Heavy metals are recognized as environmental pollutants and are released from both industrial and agricultural sources
The weekly dry matter intake (g/day) of goat kids in the three groups is presented in Table 2 showing no effect of dietary treatments
Overall average lymphocyte proliferation response at the end of 90 days duration was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in group II (1.088) as compared to groups I (1.440) and III (1.285) due to Pb supplementation. This adverse effect on lymphocyte proliferation was recovered to some extent by Zn, 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 adverse effect caused by Pb
Summary
Heavy metals are recognized as environmental pollutants and are released from both industrial and agricultural sources. Lead is the most common toxic mineral and the most abundant contaminant of environment. It is commonly found in soil especially near roadways, older houses, mining areas, industrial sites, power plants, incinerators and hazardous waste sites due to contamination. Ingestion of lead through contaminated herbages and soil leads to toxicity in animals resulting in heavy mortality. Presence of lead in the diet of animals can lead to oxidative stress and depress the immunity status resulting thereby in poor productive and reproductive performance [1]. ROS reduce the immunity status of the animals by affecting the cell-mediated immunity and neutrophil function. Diets low in Zn can further increase the oxidative stress and adversely affect immunity status of animals
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