Effect of dietary vitamin E and selenium on the phytohaemagglutinin response of pig lymphocytes.

A whole-blood lymphocyte transformation test was used to study the effect of dietary vitamin E and selenium supplementation on the phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) response of peripheral pig lymphocytes. Six groups of pigs were given various amounts of alpha-tocopherol and, or, sodium selenite for a period of 12 weeks. At the end of the experiment all groups given additional vitamin E and, or, selenium showed increased PHA-response. Vitamin E supplementation enhanced the mitogen response at all tested levels of selenium addition. The activities of the different cell types involved in increased immune response due to vitamin E and selenium supplementation are discussed.