[Influence of latent vitamin A deficiency of the mouse on the production of humoral antibodies against sheep erythrocytes and on the resistance against infection with Listeria monocytogenes (author's transl)].

Mice fed with a vitamin A free diet for several months did not develop signs of vitamin A deficiency. However, chemical analysis revealed a reduced content of vitamin A in the liver of such mice. The ability of these animals were latent vitamin A deficiency to produce antibodies against parenterally applicated sheep erythrocytes was not hampered. Similar numbers of antibody producing cells could be detected in the spleen of these mice compared with control animals. Resistance against intravenous infection with L. monocytogenes of these mice with latent vitamin A deficiency was not altered. The numbers of viable germs recovered from spleen and liver 2 days after infection were similar in both vitamin A deprived and normal mice.