Nitric oxide regulating immune functions in egg type Japanese quail

Prescnt investigation was carried out to study the association between nitric oxide (NO) and immunological traits viz. serum lysozyme and in-vivo cell mediated immune (CMI) responsc to phytohaemagglutinin-P (PHA-P) vis-a-vis production status. Higher serum nitrite and nitrate levels were observed in good layers. Serum lysozyme level was significantly higher in good layers as compared to poor layers. Prcsence of higher Iysoztme levels in good layers indicated that NO might be involved in regulating serum lysozyme. L-NAME (N -Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, HCI), the NO synthase inhibitor (NOS) reduced the serum nitrite and nitrate levels significantly. NO modulating drugs such as L-arginine, sodiumnitroprusside and L-NAME could not alter serum lysozyme and cell mediated immune response. Absence of involvement of nitric oxide in regulating immune functions was evident in the present study.