Immunological ex vivo Investigations on the Mechanism of Action of Human Enterococcus faecalis Bacteria (Symbioflor 1®) in Minipigs

Author(s): Zimmermann, K., Taborski, B., Thoma, W., Thoma, H., Schade, L.

Abstract: Background.- Symbioflor® is a pharmaceutical preparation containing an autolysate of viable, nonpathogenic Enterococcus faecalis bacteria of human origin. Ihe preparation is made for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders as well as for the treatment of chronic respiratory infections and non-febrile diseases.Objective: Because of the oral application of Efaecalis, the aim of the present study was to elucidate if Efaecalis will influence immunologic pathways in the Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT), thereby contributing to enhanced resistance against respiratory infections. Because the immune system of the gut can only be studied in an experimental animal model, minipigs were treated by the oral route, a single application/per day over a period of 21 days with different concentrations of E.faecalis. Humoral (total 1gA antibody concentration in saliva) as well as cellular parameters (proliferation, ELISPOT assay to detect 1gA-secreting plasma ce s, activation of granulocytes in the blood) from cell suspensions of the GALT were determined.Results: 1. A short-lived enhancement of granulocyte-mediated cytotoxicity in the blood of the animals; 2. an increase in the number of 1gA-producing plasma cells derived from lymphocyte suspensions of the mesenteric lymph nodes; 3. a modulation of the proliferative capacity of lymphocytes derived from mesenteric lymph nodes; 4. a significant enhancement of the total 1gA antibody concentration in the saliva of the treated animals.Conclusion: Efaecalis is effective for the treatment of recurrent respiratory infections because it modulares functions of immunocompetent cells from the GALT.

Keyword(s): Enterococcus faecalis

Zurück | Weiter