Effects of manganese-toxicity on immune-related organs of cocks

Manganese (Mn) is a trace element known to be essential for maintaining the proper function and regulation of many biochemical and cellular reactions. However, little is known about the effect of excessive amounts of Mn in immune damage of birds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary Mn on immune damage in birds. 50-day-old male Hy-line cocks were fed either a commercial diet or a Mn-supplemented diet containing 600, 900, and 1800 mg kg−1 MnCl2. After being treated with Mn for 30, 60 and 90 d, the serum and immune organs (spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius (BF)) were collected respectively and examined for Mn contents, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, ability to resist OH. In addition, DNA damage and apoptosis were observed in cock immune system treated with Mn. The results showed that the contents of Mn and MDA in immune organs and serum were increased, while the activities of SOD, GSH-Px, and ability to resist OH were decreased in the Mn treatment groups. The extensive damage was observed in the immune organs. DNA single strand break and DNA–protein crosslink showed time and dosage effect in lymphocytes of immune organs. It indicated that Mn exposure resulted in oxidative damage of birds immune system by altering antioxidant defense enzyme systems, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis.

► The first study showing the effects of dietary Mn on immune function in birds.
► Hy-line cocks were used as a model of the mechanisms of Mn-induced immunotoxicity.
► Mn exposure resulted in oxidative damage of birds immune system.
► DNA damage and apoptosis in birds immune system occurred after Mn exposure.
► Immune organs of cocks were damaged along with increase in Mn-supplemented diets.