The Effect of Pteroylglutamic Acid on Some Immune Responses of Chicks

Abstract

Abstract So many vitamins have been reported to have an effect on antibody production and resistance to infection that all might be thought of as equally important, were it not for Cannon's observation that the depressing effect of various vitamin deficiencies may be ascribed either to impaired protein metabolism or lowered protein intake (1). Thus, the effect of some deficiencies may be due to inanition while certain vitamins may be required in the process by which amino acids are converted into antibody globulin. Since pteroylglutamic acid deficiency gives rise to defects in metabolism resulting in leucopenia, and anemia, it seemed of interest to determine its effect on immune responses. In view of the activity of both pteroylglutamic acid and vitamin B12 in pernicious anemia, it was thought that a comparison of the two vitamins would aid in interpreting our results.