Abstract |
In this study, acidic arabinogalactan, a highly purified polysaccharide from plant cell cultures of Echinacea purpurea, with a molecular weight of 75,000, was effective in activating macrophages to cytotoxicity against tumor cells and micro-organisms (Leishmania enriettii). Furthermore, this polysaccharide induced macrophages to produce tumor necrosis factor ( TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and interferon-beta 2. Arabinogalactan did not activate B cells and did not induce T cells to produce interleukin-2, interferon-beta 2, or interferon-gamma, but it did induce a slight increase in T-cell proliferation. When injected ip, this agent stimulated macrophages, a finding that may have therapeutic implications in the defense against tumors and infectious diseases.
|
Authors | B Luettig, C Steinmüller, G E Gifford, H Wagner, M L Lohmann-Matthes |
Journal | Journal of the National Cancer Institute
(J Natl Cancer Inst)
Vol. 81
Issue 9
Pg. 669-75
(May 03 1989)
ISSN: 0027-8874 [Print] United States |
PMID | 2785214
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
|
Chemical References |
- Galactans
- Interferon Type I
- Interleukin-1
- Interleukin-2
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
- arabinogalactan
|
Topics |
- Animals
- Cells, Cultured
- Female
- Galactans
(pharmacology)
- Interferon Type I
(biosynthesis)
- Interleukin-1
(metabolism)
- Interleukin-2
(biosynthesis)
- Lymphocyte Activation
(drug effects)
- Macrophage Activation
(drug effects)
- Macrophages
(immunology, metabolism)
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Phagocytosis
(drug effects)
- Plants
(analysis)
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
(biosynthesis)
|