Related Experiment Videos
[The immunomodulatory effect of lentinan]
Yao Xue Xue Bao = Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Lentinan, a mushroom extract, enhances cellular immune function by boosting T lymphocyte activity and restoring immune responses in immunosuppressed mice. It also influences T cell subpopulations and increases tumor necrosis factor production.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Lentinan (LTN) is a polysaccharide derived from Lentinus edodes.
- Understanding its immunomodulatory effects is crucial for therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo effects of Lentinan on cellular immune function.
- To evaluate LTN's impact on T lymphocyte proliferation, subpopulations, and cytokine production.
Main Methods:
- Assessed delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) in cyclophosphamide-treated mice.
- Measured T lymphocyte proliferation to Con A in splenocytes.
- Analyzed T lymphocyte subpopulations (L3T4+, Lyt2+) in thymocytes and splenocytes.
- Quantified tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production by macrophages.
Main Results:
- LTN augmented T lymphocyte proliferation and restored DTH responses impaired by cyclophosphamide.
- LTN altered T cell percentages in thymocytes and splenocytes.
- LTN stimulated TNF release from macrophages in the presence of LPS.
Conclusions:
- Lentinan exhibits immunomodulatory effects by altering T cell subpopulations and enhancing TNF production.
- These findings suggest LTN's potential as an immune-enhancing agent.