RRR‐α‐tocopheryl succinate enhances t cell mitogen‐induced proliferation and reduces suppressor activity in spleen cells derived from AEV‐infected chickens

Abstract

RRR‐α‐tocopheryl succinate was demonstrated to be a potent in vitro modulator of retrovirus‐induced immune abnormalities. Spleen cells from avian erythroblastosis virus (AEV)‐infected chickens exhibit suppressed T cell mitogen‐induced proliferative responses and elevated levels of suppressor T cell activity. In vitro addition of RRR‐α‐tocopheryl succinate resulted in amelioration of these abnormalities. Antioxidants including Trolox (a water‐soluble analogue of RRR‐α‐tocopherol with antioxidant properties) and a combination of butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene were able to restore immune functions to levels similar to those achieved with RRR‐α‐tocopheryl succinate treatment. Aspirin, an irreversible inhibitor of cyclooxygenase activity, was capable of ameliorating some of the AEV‐induced immune dysfunctions. These studies suggest a role for the antioxidant functions of RRR‐α‐tocopheryl succinate in modulation of retrovirus‐induced immune abnormalities.