| dc.description.abstract | A review of the literature shows that vitamin C has
a positive effect on some mechanisms of both natural and
acquired resistance against infection. The specif ic
effects of ascorbic acid in these processes have however
remained obsecure. The purpose of this study was to
investigate the effects of ascorbic acid on the immune
system using the guinea pig as a model. The specific
objectives were to find out the effects this vitamin on
immunoglobulin levels, on T-cell function and on
humoral response to viral antigens. In all the three experiments done, the animals were
divided into four groups recievig 0, 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5mg
ascorbic acid per 100gm body weight daily. These animals
were then maintained on an ascorbic acid deficient diet,
and were weighed and bled once every seven days.
In experiment I, the immunoglobulin levels were
determined using a 'Sandwich I Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent
Assay. In experiment II, the T-lymphocytes were cultured
and stimulated by mitoses (phytoheamagglutinin and
Concanavalin A) after which the response to stimulation
was compared. In experiment III, the guinea pigs were
inoculated with Hepatitis B surf ace antigen (HBsAg).
The levels of guinea pig anti-HBsAg were determined using
a Passive Heamagglutinin test. | en_US |
