INVIVO EFFECT OF LEVAMISOLE ON CELLULAR AND HUMORAL IMMUNITY IN NORMAL CHICKENS

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 38  (3) , 609-614
Abstract
The effect of levamisole in vivo was studied on the PHA [phytohemagglutinin] and Con [concanavalin] A responses of chicken peripheral blood lymphocytes and on the in vivo antibody response to a thymus dependent antigen (BSA [bovine serum albumin]) and to a thymus independent antigen (Brucella abortus). Levamisole (0.25 mg/kg) significantly increased the PHA and Con A responses of chicken blood lymphocytes. The antigens were given at the time of enhanced mitogenic responses and a significant increase was observed in Ig[immunoglobulin]M and IgG antibodies to BSA. No effect was obtained on antibody responses to B. abortus. Levamisole can enhance humoral and cellular immune responses in normal chickens. The effect is probably mediated by the activation of the T [thymus-derived] cell function and affects only antibody responses to thymus dependent antigen. The ability of levamisole to modulate immune responses is supported.