• 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 25 (2), 207-211
Abstract
The effects of 10 days of total energy deprivation on lymphocyte functions and cell-mediated immunity was evaluated in 14 healthy, normal-weighted males. Lymphocytes from 7 of the subjects were tested in vitro. A significant depression was noted in DNA synthesis after stimulation with pokeweed mitogen and PPD [purified protein derivative], while there was no effect on the response to concanavalin A. No change was noted in the percentages and total numbers of circulating B [bone marrow-derived] and T [thymus-derived] lymphocytes and monocytes. The delayed skin reactivity following intracutaneous PPD and mumps antigen was not different from non-starving control subjects.