• 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 42  (2) , 332-335
Abstract
Cell-mediated immunity is invariably impaired in protein-energy malnutrition. The effect of selected nutrient deficiencies on serum thymic factor activity was assessed in deprived rats and pair-fed controls. Deficits of calories, Zn or pyridoxine resulted in significant lowering of serum thymic factor activity; vitamin A deficiency did not have any effect. Various nutrients probably modulate different steps of cell-mediated immunity; reduced thymic hormone activity may be the underlying mechanism of impaired immunity in some but not all nutritional deficiencies.