The Effects Of Ascorbic Acid On The Immune System Of The Guinea Pig (cavia Porcellus)
Abstract
Three experiments were carried out to investigate
the effects of ascorbic acid on immunoglobulin levels,
on T-Cell function and on humoral response to viral
antigens using the guinea pig as a model.
These were done by obtaining serum for the
determination of normal immunoglobulin levels;
culturing and stimulating T-cells with
phytohaemagglutinin and concanavalin A; and
inoculating the animals with Hepatitis B surface
Antigen (HBsAg).
The results obtained indicated that ascorbic acid
is involved in the production of immunoglobulins and
enhances humoral response against viral antigens. They
also suggested that ascorbic acid does not enhance
proliferation f T-cells.
Citation
Masters of SciencePublisher
University of Nairobi