Abstract
The effect of MIC on the humoral immunity of the malnourished (protein deficient) subjects has been investigated. A single exposure of MIC (1.60 mg/l) on protein deficient rats showed no significant change in the body weight and mortality rate compared with the normal but the serum protein levels were found significantly low (P<0.01) in the protein deficient diet fed control (PDC) ones. Both PDC and protein deficient MIC exposed (PDMIC) rat showed diminished B-cell proliferation with the optimal dose of LPS, compared to the NDC and normal diet fed MIC exposed (NDMIC) group. Furthermore significant suppression (P<0.01) in the B-cell activation by LPS was observed in the PDMIC compared to PDC. the total IgM level in PDMIC was 43% less while 26% higher in NDMIC compared to NDC. the total IgG level in PDMIC and NDMIC was higher (20%) compared to NDC, while 25% less in PDC. the antigen specific B-cell immunity was affected in PDMIC, PDC and NDMIC. As the terminal differentiation process of B-cells were found equally affected in both PDC and NDMIC, it appears that MIC has no synergistic effect on the humoral immunity of the protein malnourished host.