Related Experiment Videos
Activation of peritoneal macrophages by polysaccharopeptide from the mushroom, Coriolus versicolor
1Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin.
Abstract:
Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) is a substance produced by an edible mushroom, Coriolus versicolor which has been claimed to possess antitumor activity. However, neither tumoricidal activity nor cytotoxicity was observed when five tumor cell lines and mouse peritoneal macrophages were cultured in vitro in the presence of 2.5-10 micrograms/ml PSP. An increase in the production of reactive nitrogen intermediates, reactive oxygen intermediates (superoxide anions) and tumor necrosis factor was measured in peritoneal macrophages collected from inbred C57 mice which had received PSP in the drinking water for 2 weeks. Northern blot analysis also demonstrated that PSP activated the transcription of tumor necrosis factor gene in these cells, indicating that PSP exerted an immunomodulatory effect on the defensive cells.
Insights
Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) from Coriolus versicolor showed no direct antitumor effects in vitro. However, PSP demonstrated immunomodulatory effects by increasing defensive cell activity in mice.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Mycology
Background:
- Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) is derived from the edible mushroom Coriolus versicolor.
- PSP has been anecdotally reported to possess antitumor properties.
- Scientific validation of PSP's direct cytotoxic or tumoricidal activity is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the direct antitumor activity of Polysaccharopeptide (PSP).
- To evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of PSP on murine immune cells.
Main Methods:
- In vitro culture of five tumor cell lines and mouse peritoneal macrophages with PSP (2.5-10 µg/ml).
- Measurement of reactive nitrogen intermediates, reactive oxygen intermediates (superoxide anions), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in macrophages.
- Northern blot analysis to assess TNF gene transcription.
Main Results:
- No tumoricidal activity or cytotoxicity was observed in vitro.
- PSP administration to mice increased reactive nitrogen intermediates, reactive oxygen intermediates, and TNF production in peritoneal macrophages.
- Northern blot confirmed PSP's activation of TNF gene transcription in these cells.
Conclusions:
- PSP does not exhibit direct tumoricidal or cytotoxic effects in vitro.
- PSP exerts an immunomodulatory effect on host defense cells, enhancing their activity.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms behind PSP's immunomodulatory actions.