Modulation of the primary and the secondary antibody response by tobacco smoke condensates.

Cigarette smoke condensate administered to C57BL/6 mice led to a decrease in the primary antibody response to OVA (hen egg albumin) antigen. Selenium (Se)-supplementation allowed to relieve significantly this inhibition. Moreover, even being not supplemented with Se, a preparation was found devoid of inhibitory effects. Furthermore, the presence of Se-supplemented tobacco smoke condensate at the time of antigen priming, contributed to an enhanced secondary antibody response.