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Immunomodulation by orally administered beta-glucan in mice
I Suzuki1, K Hashimoto, N Ohno
1Laboratory of Immunopharmcology of Microbial Products, Tokyo College of Pharmacy, Japan.
International Journal of Immunopharmacology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Orally administered beta-1,3-glucan (SSG) from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum enhanced immune cell activity in mice. SSG boosted T-cell and B-cell responses, natural killer cell activity, and macrophage function, also inhibiting tumor growth.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Beta-1,3-glucans are known immunomodulators.
- Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a fungal species.
- Investigating fungal-derived compounds for immune enhancement is of interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of orally administered SSG.
- To determine SSG's impact on T-cell and B-cell proliferation.
- To assess SSG's influence on natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages, and its anti-tumor activity.
Main Methods:
- Mice were administered SSG (40 or 80 mg/kg) orally for 5 or 10 days.
- Spleen cell proliferation was measured in response to concanavalin A (Con A) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
- NK cell activity and macrophage lysosomal enzyme activity were assessed. Tumor growth inhibition was studied in syngeneic models.
Main Results:
- SSG administration significantly increased spleen cell proliferation in response to both T-cell and B-cell mitogens.
- Enhanced NK cell activity and peritoneal macrophage lysosomal enzyme activity were observed.
- Significant inhibition of tumor growth was achieved with high doses of SSG (over 80 mg/kg).
Conclusions:
- Oral administration of SSG potentiates immune responses in mice.
- SSG demonstrates potential as an immunomodulatory agent.
- SSG exhibits anti-tumor properties, warranting further investigation.