Immune complexes in Kosali breed of cattle naturally exposed to arsenic contamination: Attenuation by

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of bark powder on circulatory immune complexes and total immunoglobulins level in Kosali breed of cattle environmentally exposed to arsenic contamination through water and fodder. Arsenic concentration was significantly (p<0.05) higher in drinking water, fodder and cattle blood samples collected from the arsenic contaminated area as compared to uncontaminated area (control area). Kosali cattle reared in the arsenic contaminated area showed significantly (p<0.05) elevated circulatory immune complexes with decreased level of plasma total immunoglobulins compared to the control area. bark powder was administered orally @ 40 mg/kg. b. w. daily for 30 days to eight Kosali cattle (treatment group) selected from the arsenic contaminated area. Eight Kosali cattle each from arsenic contaminated and uncontaminated area (without any treatment) served as exposure control and healthy control respectively. Kosali cattle of the treatment group exhibited significant (p<0.05) decrease in the level of circulatory immune complexes; and increase in the total immunoglobulin concentration to the level comparable to that of healthy control.