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Effects of artesunate on immune function in mice
1Department of Pharmacology, Guangzhou Institute of Medicine and Health, China.
Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao = Acta Pharmacologica Sinica
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Artesunate (dihydroartemisinine-12-alpha-succinate, Art) impacts immune responses in mice. It suppresses humoral immunity while enhancing cell-mediated immunity, affecting key immune indicators.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Artesunate (dihydroartemisinine-12-alpha-succinate, Art) is an antimalarial drug.
- Its effects on the immune system require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of artesunate on various aspects of immune function in a murine model.
- To determine how artesunate influences humoral and cell-mediated immunity.
Main Methods:
- Assessed hemolysin concentration using a colorimetric method.
- Measured serum IgG and C3 levels via single immunodiffusion.
- Quantified lymphocyte transformation, phagocytosis percentage, and phagocytic index microscopically.
Main Results:
- Artesunate decreased hemolysin-forming capacity and serum IgG levels.
- Serum complement 3 levels increased in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice treated with artesunate.
- Enhanced PHA-induced lymphocyte transformation and delayed-type hypersensitivity.
- Increased spleen weight and decreased thymus weight were observed.
- Reduced peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis percentage and phagocytic index.
Conclusions:
- Artesunate demonstrates immunosuppressive effects on humoral immune responses.
- Artesunate exhibits immunostimulatory effects on cell-mediated immunity.