[Effect of zinc on immune function in normal mice]

Abstract

Swiss mice were used for studying the effects of zinc on the immune function and on the structure of thymus. The experimental results showed that: 1) When mice were administered with a dose of zinc 0.2mg/d of mouse for 15 d, the number of mature T lymphocyte in peripheral blood increased significantly, the transformation of lymphocytes and DTH response were both markedly enhanced; phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophage was suppressed, but the production of IgM and the weight of thymus were not affected. 2) The shape of lymphocyte nucleus of the thymus cortex became irregular by administration of zinc. So, a certain immunity promotive dose of zinc may impose a latent injury to the lymphocyte of thymus.