Influence of oregano and salvia extracts on lymphocyte subpopulation and functional activity of blood phagocytes and lymphocytes in chickens

Supplementation of oregano and sage extracts into the feed of experimental chickens a caused significant increase of mitogen-activated lymphocyte proliferation on the seventh week of feeding. On the other hand, fed diet supplemented with both extracts did not change number of CD3, CD4, CD8, IgM and IgG positive peripheral blood cells examined by flow cytometry. Similarly, no significant changes have been found in values, demonstrating the functional activity of phagocytes like phagocytic activity, the index of phagocytic activity and index of metabolic burst. Level of plasma immunoglobulins was and temporary on Week 4 of feeding, significantly decreased in chickens treated with oregano extract only. Lower levels of plasma immunoglobulin suggest a connection with antibacterial effect of carvacrol. Results showed no pro-inflammatory effects in studied parameters of systemic immune response. On the other hand, lymphocyte stimulation in vitro suggest a higher immune defence ability.