Zinc improves the immune function and the proliferation of lymphocytes in Cadmium-treated rats

مقال فى مجلة

2014

Abutaha, Nael . 2014

The effects of Cadmium (Cd) exposure and the treatment with Zinc (Zn) on immune functions of
splenocytes and cultured lymphocytes of rats were studied. The exposure of rats to Cd was at a dose
of 2.2 mg/kg CdCl2, injected subcutaneously four times weekly for 2 months. Rats were supplemented
with Zn (2.2 mg/kg ZnCl2, injected subcutaneously four times weekly for 2 months) one hour prior to
Cd exposure. Spleens were removed and splenocytes were isolated and cultured. The proliferation
capacity of lymphocytes and their homing to the spleen were studied. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted
from stimulated lymphocytes in order to analyse gene expressions using RT-PCR. Accordingly,
proliferation of lymphocytes was found to be suppressed in Cd-treated rats, both in vivo and in vitro.
Zinc served to activate the proliferation of B and T lymphocytes in Cd-treated rats both in vivo and in
vitro. Antigen-activated lymphocytes showed that Cd impaired the mRNA expression of CD68, Ccl22
and CXCL10. Zinc was not found to restore mRNA expression of these genes to the normal levels. Zinc
was found to decrease the MDA level with replenishment of activity of key antioxidant enzymes and
proteins in Cd-pre-treated animals significantly. Moreover, the histopathological examination of spleen
samples also agreed with the molecular, immunological and redox findings. Hence, Zn is able to restore
the normal structure, redox status and immunity in Cd-induced damage in the rat model system.

• رقم الانشاء: 39 (4)
• مجلة/صحيفة: Experimental immunology
• الصفحات: 441-448