Influence of sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (Imuthiol) on lymphocyte function and growth in weanling pigs

Mitogen-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions, interleukin-2 (IL-2) production, and growth performance were evaluated in 3-week-old pigs treated with imuthiol. Lymphocyte proliferative responses to Con A and PWM were reduced (P < 0.05) in pigs treated with imuthiol at 25 mg/kg; PHA proliferative responses were not influenced by imuthiol treatment. Imuthiol at 2.5 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg lowered IL-2 production when compared to saline-treated controls. Delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to PHA were higher in 25 mg/kg imuthiol-treated pigs; however, 2.5 mg/kg imuthiol-treated pigs had lower DHT reactions. Imuthiol at 2.5 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg reduced (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake. These data suggest that in vivo imuthiol treatment in pigs lowers lymphocyte proliferative responses, IL-2 production, and growth performance.