[Effect of macrophage stimulators on development of selective depression of liver macrophage in vivo]

A single administration of zymosan (50 mg/kg) and chito-carboxymethylated glucan (25 mg/kg) to mice was shown to improve the selective liver macrophage depression induced by gadolinium chloride (7.5 mg/kg, intravenous administration). Both beta-1,3-glucans (ChitoCMG and CMG) studied revealed the signs of liver macrophage stimulation: increased number and phagocytic activity of liver macrophages and increased serum chitotriosidase activity. The model of selective liver macrophage depression was characterized by decreased activity of serum chitotriosidase. ChitoCMG as well as zymosan increased the uptake of gadolinium by liver cells during preliminary (before gadolinium chloride) administration of beta-1,3-glucans. It was concluded that the model of selective liver macrophagedepression is useful for studying the protective effects of biological response modifiers such as polysaccharides (beta-1,3-glucans) in vivo.