Effect of dietary factor deficiency on the membranotoxic and cytostatic activity of splenocytes

: The influence of alimentary factor deficiency on the membranotoxic and cytostatic action of splenocyte effectors was studied in VAG rats. Four groups of animals were kept on different rations during 60 days: group I received a balanced ration, group II was given a ration with essential amino acid deficiency, group III--with vitamin A and E deficiency, group IV--with essential amino acid and vitamin A and E deficiency (polyimbalance). It was shown that in polyimbalance and vitamin A and E deficiency the membranotoxic and cytostatic activity of splenocytes was decreased, the cytostatic action being more sensitive to the deficiency of these factors. Addition of interleukin-2 to the incubation mixture restored the membranotoxic activity up to the normal level. The immunological parameters studied were not substantially changed in the deficiency of essential amino acids. It is suggested that the disordered T-cell regulatory function of amplifiers, which are the main producers of interleukin-2, is one of the principal mechanisms decreasing the splenocyte membranotoxic activity.