Sex-related differences of hepatic microsomal mixed function oxidase system and antibody production in broilers implanted with corticosterone and/or fed ascorbic acid

1. Most of the components of the mixed function oxidase (MFO) in hepatic microsomes were reduced by corticosterone implants, and the degree of the reduction in females and at an older age was greater than those in males and at a younger age.

2. Ascorbic acid (AA) prevented the reduction in the MFO caused by corticosterone implants.

3. The activities of aniline hydroxylase and aminopyrine N-demethylase were enhanced by corticosterone implants regardless of AA supplementation.

4. The activity of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase in male broiler was greater than that in females under normal conditions.

5. Corticosterone implants and dietary AA had less influence on the antibody production, especially to T-cell dependent antigen.