Modulation of intestinal mucosal immunity by dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids in chickens

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on intestinal immune responses and cytokines secretions in chickens at nutrition-immunity level. The proportion of CD3+CD8+ lymphocytes of intestinal mucosa in CO group was higher on d 21 than that in FO (p < 0.01) and PO (p < 0.05) group. The proportion of CD3+CD4+ lymphocytes of FO group was greatly significantly higher on d 21, relative to PO or CO group. The FO treatment enhanced the sIgA concentration in jejunum on d 42, compared with CO and PO group. Fish oil and corn oil had similar effects on enhancing IL-2 secretion of PBMC, and converse effects on IL-4 secretion. Compared with PO group, chickens supplemented with fish oil or corn oil had greater concentration of intestinal mucosal membrane phospholipids on d 21 and d 42. In conclusion, the changes of intestinal lymphocytes membrane phospholipids in FO or CO group would modulate lipid second messengers. The changes of CD expression would affect sIgA secretion of intestinal lymphocytes. Diet supplemented with corn oil or fish oil can affect cytokines secretion of PBMC in chickens, which works on systemic and mucosal immune response.