Abnormal delayed-type hypersensitivity in mice born to females treated with vitamin A during pregnancy.

The effects of vitamin A (retinolum palmiticum) administered to pregnant mice on the cell-mediated immunity of the offspring were studied in random-bred ICR mice. Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) to sheep red blood cells was assayed after immunization of the control and experimental young in the 4th postnatal week. The administration of vitamin A, in doses of 5,000 IU, on days 15-17 of pregnancy depressed DTH of the female offspring. On the other hand, the administration of single doses of 5,000 and 10,000 IU on the 16th day of pregnancy increased DTH in the offspring. The effects were correlated to the sex and body weight of the offspring, the highest DTH being observed in the female offspring with a low body weight.