The effect of an insoluble fungal glucan on indicators of immunity in calves

: Immunomodulative effect of insoluble fungous glucan (IFG) was observed on nine accidentally chosen calves, which were in the age from 4.5-5.5 months. The following items were observed: T, B lymphocytes, white blood cell count, index and activity of phagocytosis, induction and determination of interferon from leukocytes. In the experimental group there was a decrease in B-rosseting cells observed. On the 28-th day and on the 42-th day of experiment duration a significant increase in B-rosseting cells in comparison with control group has been observed. Average values were significantly different on the levels P < 0.01 and P < 0.05. Percentages of T-rosseting cells were almost the same during the whole experiment. In the experimental group on the 7-th and on the 14-th day the decrease has been observed. By the Student's t-test a significant difference in favour of group, where IFG was applicated, has been observed. Percentage of white blood cell count was from 47 to 72 in both groups. When phagocytic activity was evaluated, there was the higher percentage of phagocytic cells in the 7th, 14-th, 21-st, 28-th and 42-th day of experiment when compared with the 0-day value. Concerning the phagocyte index a statistical difference was observed, when compared to the initial value in favour of the experimental group. The initial disbalanced values of interferon, which have been observed during the period from the 7-th to the 21-st day, increased on the 28-th and the 42-nd day of experiment which was statistically confirmed on the following levels: P < 0.05 and P < 0.01.