Abstract
Summary
Guinea pigs were fed purified diets containing either 0.4 or 1.0% phosphorus. The basal level was adequate to support maximal growth in noninfected guinea pigs. The higher phosphorus level slightly depressed the growth rate. Animals were inoculated with Salmonella typhimurium and observed for a period of 6 wk. The mortality rate was significantly lower among animals fed 1.0% P. Noninfected guinea pigs fed the higher phosphorus level had both a higher level of inorganic phosphorus and more circulating leukocytes in the blood. After infection the differences between dietary groups were magnified. Although blood inorganic phosphorus dropped in both groups as a result of infection, those fed the higher phosphorus level maintained a significantly higher concentration. Bone marrow response as reflected by total leukocyte counts was greater in animals fed the higher phosphorus level. It is postulated that the protective action of high dietary phosphorus is mediated at least in part by maintenance of a pool of phosphorus required for the proliferation of cells critical to the defense mechanism.
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