[Activating effect of bestim on the macrophages in experimental tuberculosis of varying severity]

The synthetic dipeptide bestim was tested for effects on the functional activity of peritoneal macrophages on 400 non-inbred albino mice while simulating generalized tuberculosis of varying severity (classical, acutely progressive, and slowly progressive). Bestim was shown to have a stimulating effect on the activity of macrophageal phagocytosis of yeast cell suspension. The agent was also found to exert a restorative effect on the absorptive and digestive functions of macrophages during their inhibition during infection and under the influence of long-term (more than a month) etiotropic therapy. Bestim showed an activating effect on the content of extracellular 5-nucleotidase during the classical and acutely progressive course of infection. It was shown to have a modulating effect on the macrophageal generation of superoxide radicals, by enhancing the inhibited HCT activity in acutely progressive infection and by reducing the elevated level of superoxide production in slowly progressive tuberculosis. In slowly progressive tuberculosis, the drug produced a stimulating effect on the adhesive activity of macrophages.