Effect of Selenium and Vitamin E Dietary Deficiencies on Chick Lymphoid Organ Development

Abstract

Diets specifically deficient in selenium (Se) and/or vitamin E or adequate in both nutrients were fed to chicks from the time of hatching. Lymphoid organs (bursa, thymus, and in some instances, spleen) were collected from chicks 7-35 days of age. Growth of the chicks fed these diets was monitored over the experimental period as was lymphoid organ growth. The development of the primary lymphoid organs was further assessed by histological techniques and the organ contents of vitamin E (a-tocopherol) and Se were determined. Specific deficiencies of either Se or vitamin E were found to significantly impair bursal growth as did a combined deficiency. Thymic growth was impaired only by the combined deficiency diet. Severe histopathological changes in the bursa resulted from the combined deficiency and these were detectable by 10-14 days after hatching. These changes were characterized by a gradual degeneration of the epithelium and an accompanying depletion of lymphocytes. Similar changes, although slower to develop and less severe, were observed in the thymus as a result of the combined deficiency. When both serum and tissue levels of vitamin E and Se were monitored, it was observed that these were rapidly and independently depleted by the specific deficiency diets. These data suggest that the primary lymphoid organs are major targets of Se and vitamin E dietary deficiencies and provide a possible mechanism by which immune function may be impaired.

Performance and hematological parameters of broilers fed neem, turmeric,<br>vitamin e and their combinations

“…In addition, vitamin E along with selenium has been found to be essential for the proper growth and development (Marsh et al, 1986) and for the overall immunocompetence of growing broilers. However, use of these medicinal plants or feed additives in diets of broiler chicken with the objectives of improving their performance and hematological parameters status has not been fully addressed.…”

Selenium and vitamin E diet inclusion for optimal reproduction performances of red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa)

“…Our results are in line with Peng et al (2009) andEl-Sheikh et al (2010), who reported that selenium plays a significant role in the development of bursa of Fabricius. Marsh et al (1986), Hegazy and Adachi (2000) and Hussain et al (2004) found that lymphoid organs (bursa of Fabricius, spleen and thymus) size of birds fed lower selenium diet content was significantly lower than birds fed higher selenium diet levels.…”

Selenium and the immune response

“…Judging by the findings of Marsh et al (1986) on the susceptibility of the bursa of Fabricius in chicks, we might anticipate an antibody failure in animals with Se deficiency, but other work by the same group (Marsh et al 1981) has shown that this depends on age: 2-week-old chicks kept on Se-or Se-vitamin E-deficient diets from hatching all showed reduced titres to SRBC, whereas in animals only 1 week older, only the Se-vitamin E-deficient group was disadvantaged (Table 1). Se-deficient mice given 50 pg vitamin E/g diet showed reduced IgG but normal IgM responses to SRBC, suggesting that it is the helper T-dependent class switch which is particularly vulnerable to a Se deficiency.…”

“…In Se-vitamin E-deficient chicks, the thymus and bursa both showed reduced numbers of lymphocytes, preceded by damage to the surrounding epithelia (Marsh et al 1986). This suggests that the normal flow of inductive signals from epithelial cells to the developing lymphocytes is not occurring.…”

“…Marsh et al (1986) maintained chicks on diets deficient in Se or vitamin E, or both, from hatching, and examined the organs 1-5 weeks later. Single deficiencies were enough to impair bursal growth (but not overall body-weight), whereas stunting of the thymus was only seen in Se-vitamin E-deficient animals.…”