Thymocyte proliferation and maturation in response to galactoside- specific mistletoe lectin -I

Journal/Book: in vivo 7, 407-410. 1993;

Abstract: Commercially available mistletoe extract standardized for thegalactoside-specific mistletoe lectin-1 (ML-1) could be shown to inducethymocyte proliferation and maturation in BALB/c-mice after regularsubcutaneous administration of the optimal immunomodulating dosage (1nglectin/kg body weight). The increase in thymocyte numbers per mg organweight was statistically significant. Determinations of thymic lymphaticsubsets revealed considerable up-regulation of mature cells expressinghelper/inducer (L3T4) or cytotoxic/suppressor (Lyt-2) phenotype andimmature cells presenting both (L3T4/Lyt-2) antigens. Thus,administration of ML-1 accelerated murine thymocyte proliferation andmaturation. Counts of BALB/c-mouse peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL)revealed evident (but statistically non-significant) increases afterML-1 administration. The determination of activated PBL expressinginterleukin (Il)-2 receptors proved, however, that ML-1 induced a potentimmunostimulation since these cells were significantly enhanced afterML-1 administration. Author.

Keyword(s): ADJUVANTS-IMMUNOLOGIC/ PD (pharmacology)

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