Effect of Humic Acid on Humoral Immune Response and Phagocytosis

Humates are found wherever matter is being decomposed, or has been transposed as in the case of sediments. As these substances have different therapeutics properties, the possible effects of humic acid (HA) from humates, on the anti body response of Brucella melitensis (Rev-1) vaccine and phagocytosis in rat were studied. In this study 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0 % humic acid per kilo gram of feed were evaluated. Thirty six rats were divided into six equal groups. Group 1 (Control) injected with PBS, group 2 with Rev-1 alone, group 3 with 0.5% HA alone, group 4 with Rev-1 and 0.25% HA, group 5 with Rev-1 and 0.5%) HA and group 6 with Rev-1 and 1%> HA. The antibody titer and phagocytosis were measured by tube agglutination (TA) test, Rose Bengal (RB) test and phagocytosis with yeast respectively. Instead of serological tests, both tests were negative in groups 1 and 3. When the mean values of antibody titers of TA in the groups were compared, significant differences (P < 0.05 or 0.01) were found between each of 2 and 4, 5, 6 and also between groups 4 and 5. When the mean percentage of phagocytosis were compared between groups, significant differences (P < 0.01) were found between group 1 and 3, 4, 5, 6 and between group 4 and 3, 5, 6. In conclusion, present results suggest that all doses of HA had a significant stimulating effect on the antibody response of Br. Melitensis vaccine and phagocytic activity and that 0.5% was the most effective dose.