The influence of dietary inulin and oligofructose on the cell-mediated and humoral immunity in rats
Trushina, E.N.; Martynova, E.A.; Nikitiuk, D.B.; Mustafina, O.K.; Baĭgarin, E.K.
Voprosy Pitaniia 64(3): 22-27
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-8833 PMID: 16044837 Document Number: 590956
The evidences for the immune-enhancing effects of prebiotics were reviewed. The influence of inulin and oligofructose on the immune functions and the structure of the immune-peripheral organs in male Wistar rats was investigated after 4 months feeding. Rats were fed isocaloric diets containing 10% inulin or oligofructose. The enlargement of a number of T lymphocytes and increase in major histocompatibility complex molecule on the surface of antigen-presenting cells from the spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes and thymus, were noted. An increase in interleukin 2 and interleukin 4 in blood of rats fed inulin and oligofructose was also observed. The increased activity of peritoneal macrophages was confirmed by enhanced superoxide anion production and phagocytosis. The prebiotic products did not influence the apoptosis of immunocytes.