Selenium reverses Pteridium aquilinum-induced immunotoxic effects.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Toxicology
• Plant Science

Background:

• Bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) exhibits immunomodulatory effects, specifically reducing natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity in mice.
• Selenium is known to enhance NK cell activity.
• Ptaquiloside is the primary toxic component of P. aquilinum.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if ptaquiloside is responsible for the immunotoxic effects of P. aquilinum in mice.
• To investigate whether selenium supplementation can prevent or reverse these effects.

Main Methods:

• Male C57BL/6 mice were gavaged with P. aquilinum extract or ptaquiloside for 14-30 days.
• Histological analyses of spleen tissue were performed.
• NK cell activity was assessed in vivo and in vitro.
• Selenium co-administration and post-treatment were evaluated.

Main Results:

• P. aquilinum extract and ptaquiloside significantly reduced NK cell activity and splenic white pulp area.
• Selenium supplementation prevented the reduction in NK cell activity caused by ptaquiloside.
• Selenium also reversed the diminished NK cell activity in vitro.
• Selenium treatment fully reversed the reduction in splenic white pulp area.

Conclusions:

• Ptaquiloside is the causative agent of P. aquilinum-induced immunosuppression in mice.
• Selenium supplementation is effective in preventing and reversing the immunotoxic effects of P. aquilinum and ptaquiloside.