EFFECT OF BETA-CAROTENE, CANTHAXANTHIN, OR LUTEIN ON LYMPHOCYTE-PROLIFERATION (IN-VITRO) OF NEWLY-HATCHED CHICKS

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of beta-carotene, ca nthaxanthin, and lutein on lymphocyte proliferation (in vitro) of newl y hatched chicks. Terrahydrofuran (THF) was used as the vehicle to int roduce carotenoids in the culture media. So, we also determined effect of THF on viability of cells. The viabilities of fibroblast cells at 10(-3) dilution were 98% and 96% after 24 and 48 hr of incubation. The refore, 10(-3) (v/v) THF dilution was decided upon as the vehicle to i ntroduce carotenoids in culture media. Chick bursa lymphocytes were in cubated in the presence or absence of beta-carotene, canthaxanthin, or lutein and stimulated with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate. The results of t his experiment suggested that THF rather than the carotenoids stimulat ed bursal lymphocyte proliferation. The mechanism by which THF acted a s a mitogen is not known. We conclude from this study that beta-carote ne, canthaxanthin, and lutein are not effective in enhancing in vitro bursa lymphocyte proliferation at concentrations of less than 10(-6) M in the presence of THF.