Antagonism of nickel and selenium on the functional capacity of the immune system in rats

ABSTRACT

The effects of neckel and/or selenium on the cellular and humoral immune responses of rats were studied A single subcutaneous injection of Ni[2+][16 mg/Kg] caused significant suppressions in serum antibodies titre against SRBC's, mitogenic responses to both phytohaemagglutinin [PHA] and lipopolysaccharide [LPS] as well as in the percentage of Rosette, in both blood and spleen. On the other hand, the administration of either 2 or 6 u mole of sidium selenite alone enhanced the previous studied parameters. Co-administration of 16 mg Ni[2+]/Kg and either 2 or 6 ol mole Se/Kg resulted in more or less improvements in the studied immune responses in the rate during the 8 days of the experimental period. Interpretations for these results were discussed in detail.