DECREASED NATURAL-KILLER CELL-ACTIVITY IN PATIENTS WITH ZINC-DEFICIENCY WITH SICKLE-CELL DISEASE

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 105  (1) , 19-22
Abstract
Zn deficiency is associated with depression of a number of immune responses. To assess the relationship of Zn and natural killer [NK] activity. NK activity was studied in adults with sickle cell disease [SCD] and in 2 normal volunteers rendered Zn deficient by dietary restriction. NK activity was significantly lower in patients with SCD and Zn deficiency (5.1 .+-. 2.0 lytic units per 106 cells) than in controls (11.7 .+-. 5.0 lytic units per 106 cells). In the 2 volunteers, NK activity declined during Zn restriction and returned to near initial levels with Zn repletion. Evidently, Zn deficiency is associated with a lowering of NK activity.