Modulation of cytotoxicity and enhancement of cytokine release induced by VISCUM ALBUM L. extracts or mistletoe lectins

Journal/Book: Anti-Cancer-Drugs 8 (suppl.1), 3-8. 1997;

Abstract: Cytotoxic effects of *Viscum* album L.(mistletoe) extracts and mistletoelectins were studied by light and electron microscopy. The first eventsobserved were membrane perforation and protrusions typical forapoptosis. Inhibition of Molt 4 cell growth was obtained with lectinconcentrations in the pg/ml range as long as cells were cultured inserum-free medium. Under this condition, mistletoe lectin-III was aboutin times more cytotoxic than mistletoe lectin-I; mistletoe lectin-II wasin between. Lectin cytotoxicity was modulated by human serum from donorswho had never been treated with mistletoe preparations andlectin-specific carbohydrates, added at the mmol/l range, particularlyD-galactose (or beta-lactose) for mistletoe lectin-I andN-acetyl-galactosamine for mistletoe lectin-II and -III. In addition, atsubtoxic concentrations, mistletoe lectin-I, -II and -III enhanced theproduction of cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-alpha,interleukin-1alpha) by isolated human monocytes. The experimentalresults are discussed in relation to the treatment of cancer patientsadministered with mistletoe extracts.COPYRIGHT BY Elsevier Science BV, Amsterdam, Netherlands END OF DOCUMENT

Keyword(s): Medical:cytotoxicity

Zurück | Weiter