Immunosuppressive effects of rubidatum in mice.
AIM
To study the effect of rubidatum (Rub) on immune function in normal mice.


METHODS
Serum lysozyme concentration (SLC) was measured using micrococcus lysodiekticus as a substrate. Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) was determined by measuring the thickness of the right hind footpad 24 h after the injection of 1 x 10(8) washed sRBC (50 microL 10% sRBC). Serum hemolysin concentration was determined by OD measuring at A540 after the serum was treated with 2-mercaptoethanol. Phagocytic function of peripheral leukocyte (Leu) were determined by the incorporated radioactivity of [3H]TdR. The hemolytic activity of plaque forming cell (PFC) was determined by measuring the lymphocytemediated hemolysis of sheep red blood cell in vitro. T- and B-lymphocyte transformation (TLT and BLT) were induced by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and lipopolysacharide (LPS) respectively and measured by the incorporation of [3H]TdR.


RESULTS
Rub 125, 500, 2000 mg.kg-1.d-1 p.o. to BALB/c (or NIH) mice decreased the SLC; inhibited the phagocytosing functions of peripheral leukocytes; diminished the hemolytic activity of PFC; decreased the HC50; inhibited the DTH reaction; and showed inhibitory effects on TLT and BLT.


CONCLUSION
Rub has immunosuppressive effects on immune system in mice by affecting M phi, T, and B lymphocyte, which suggests that Rub has inhibitory effects on both nonspecific and specific immune function.