Effect of proanthocyanidin-rich extract from Pinus radiata bark on immune response of specific-pathogen-free White Leghorn chickens

Poult Sci. 2011 May;90(5):977-82. doi: 10.3382/ps.2010-01160.

Abstract

Proanthocyanidins are naturally occurring compounds that are widely found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, flowers, and bark. We evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of proanthocyanidin-rich extract (PAE) from Pinus radiata bark in specific-pathogen-free White Leghorn chickens. Proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was significantly enhanced in chickens treated for 2 wk with 20 mg/kg of PAE. Proliferation of splenocytes and bursal cells was significantly enhanced in chickens treated for 5 wk with 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg of PAE. Thymocyte proliferation was significantly enhanced in chickens treated for 5 wk with 5 and 10 mg/kg of PAE. These effects were markedly enhanced by the presence of lipopolysaccharide, which acted on B cells responsible for humoral immunity, and concanavalin A, which acted directly on T cells involved in cell-mediated immunity. The PAE significantly promoted the expression of T helper 1 cytokine (interferon-γ) and decreased the expression of T helper 2 cytokine (IL-6). Thus, P. radiata PAE has immunomodulatory effects in specific-pathogen-free White Leghorn chickens.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bursa of Fabricius / cytology
  • Bursa of Fabricius / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Chickens / immunology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Molecular Structure
  • Pinus / chemistry*
  • Plant Bark / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry*
  • Proanthocyanidins / chemistry
  • Proanthocyanidins / pharmacology*
  • Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Spleen / drug effects
  • Thymus Gland / cytology
  • Thymus Gland / drug effects

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • Proanthocyanidins