Long-term effect of early protein malnutrition on growth curve, hematological parameters and macrophage function of rats

25Citations
Citations of this article
28Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

To evaluate the long-term effect of mild-early maternal protein malnutrition on weight gain, hematological parameters and macrophage function in rats at adult age, we compared rats whose dams were fed diets containing either 9.5% (low protein - LPD) or 23% protein (normal - NPD) for the first 12 d of lactation. At 80 d of age, the functions of spreading, phagocytosis and killing Candida albicans were determined in resident peritoneal macrophages, whereas leukocytes and red blood cells were counted in peripheral blood. The number of resident peritoneal macrophages from LPD was the same as from NPD, but the ability of spreading and phagocytosing opsonised yeast was impaired. Besides, they were not able to block the germ tube formation or kill C. albicans to the same extent as in the control group. The low protein diet produced a significant reduction in the pups' growth and in hematological parameters although no difference was found in leukocyte counts. Taken together the data suggest that protein malnutrition during early lactation induces permanent alterations in macrophage function, body composition and hematological status, which are not restored completely even after a normal protein diet is supplied.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Prestes-Carneiro, L. E., Laraya, R. D., Silva, P. R. C., Moliterno, R. A., Felipe, I., & Mathias, P. C. (2006). Long-term effect of early protein malnutrition on growth curve, hematological parameters and macrophage function of rats. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, 52(6), 414–420. https://doi.org/10.3177/jnsv.52.414

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free