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Effect of oxamisole on immune parameters of mice infected with murine hepatitis
R P Warren1, R W Sidwell, J H Huffman
1Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan 84322.
Abstract:
The effects of Oxamisole, 2,3,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-2-phenyl-8,8- dimethoxyimidazo[1,2a]pyridine on immune parameters of mice infected with murine hepatitis were investigated. Young Swiss Webster mice were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with the Friend-Braunsteiner strain of murine hepatitis virus and with various doses of Oxamisole at 48 h pre- 24 h pre-, and 4 h post-virus exposure. Antiviral activity was seen in the drug-treated mice which was approximated on the basis of 21-day survival frequency and hepatic discoloration, SGOT and SGPT levels and amount of infectious virus recoverable from the liver. On day 4 post-viral exposure, splenic cells from some of the drug- and placebo-treated cells of infected mice injected with Oxamisole, 25 mg/kg/day, produced significantly more interleukin-1 and interleukin-2 than cells of infected mice treated with saline only. Similarly, mice treated with 25 mg/kg/day of this compound had cells with significantly increased antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity as compared with placebo treated animals. However, cells from mice treated with Oxamisole did not demonstrate altered natural killer cell activity. It is concluded that Oxamisole, when administered to mice infected with murine hepatitis virus, has antiviral properties which possibly are mediated through the immunomodulatory effects of this compound on the immune system.
Insights
Oxamisole demonstrates antiviral properties against murine hepatitis virus in mice. This compound enhances immune responses, including increased interleukin production and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Murine hepatitis virus (MHV) infection poses a significant challenge in animal models.
- Investigating novel antiviral agents is crucial for managing viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antiviral effects of Oxamisole against murine hepatitis virus.
- To determine the impact of Oxamisole on key immune parameters in infected mice.
Main Methods:
- Swiss Webster mice were infected with MHV and treated with varying doses of Oxamisole.
- Antiviral activity was assessed via survival rates, liver enzyme levels, and viral load.
- Splenic cell immune responses, including cytokine production and cytotoxicity, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Oxamisole treatment improved survival rates and reduced liver damage in infected mice.
- Splenic cells from Oxamisole-treated mice showed significantly higher production of interleukin-1 and interleukin-2.
- Increased antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity was observed in Oxamisole-treated mice, while natural killer cell activity remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Oxamisole exhibits antiviral properties against MHV in a mouse model.
- The antiviral effects of Oxamisole are likely mediated by its immunomodulatory actions on the immune system.