Splenic T Cell Subpopulations and Interleukin-2 Production in Legume Fed Mice

The effects of feeding peas as the source of protein on growth, nutritional utilization and immune response were investigated in mice. Final body weights as well as liver, tibia and spleen relative weights decreased significantly, while an enlargement was observed in intestine and thymus proportions. Food intake was similar in both dietary groups, but lower values for protein efficiency ratio (weight gain:protein intake) were observed in the legume fed animals. Serum glucose and cholesterol levels were not affected by the dietary treatment, although a significant decrease in serum triglycerides as well as total serum proteins and β-globulins were found in those mice fed on the diet containing peas. The percentage of the splenic T cells (Thy 1+) after immunolabelling with monoclonal antibodies was significantly increased by the legume diet. Splenic helper T cells (L3T4+) were also increased, while no changes in the percentage of splenic cytotoxic/suppressor T cells (Ly 2+) were observed. The IL-2 ...