Abstract
Host defense functions are responsive to diet composition. Since inulin and oligofructose increase resistance to health challenges, selected systemic immune variables were measured in B6C3F1 mice fed diets containing 10g/100g cellulose (C) or with cellulose replaced entirely with oligofructose (OF) or inulin (I), or partially (2.5 g) with oligofructose (C-OF). White blood cell counts for all groups were within normal ranges, but were 100% higher ( P < 0.05) in C mice compared to mice fed fructan-containing diets, which had similar counts. Spleen mass, CD4/CD8 and T/B ratios from suspensions of spleen and thymus, and fecal IgA concentrations did not differ among groups. OF and I mice had higher natural killer cell activity of splenocytes and greater phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages. Apparently oligofructose and inulin do not elicit an increase or redistribution of the examined lymphocyte populations (CD4/CD8 and T/B), but up-regulate macrophage-dependent (T-helper 1 type) immune responses in a dose-dependent manner.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.