Influencing the immune parameters in germ‐free piglets by administration of seal oil with increased content of ω‐3 PUFA

Abstract

Oral administration of oil with an increased content of ω‐3 polyunsarurated fatty acids to germfree piglets resulted in a significant increase in the total values of CD4, CD8 lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and monocytes, in peripheral blood in comparison with the controls. The metabolic activities of phagocytes as well as the polyclonal activation of lymphocytes were not significantly influenced. The level of growth factor was significantly higher, as determined on the basis of somatomedin in the blood serum. Biochemical indices showed a significant increase in the level of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids in blood serum and the decrease in the level of arachidonic acid at the same time.