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.