Macrophages glucan-activated

Okazaki M, Adachi Y, Ohno N, Yadomae T Structure-activity relationship of (1—>3) beta-D-glucans in the induction of cytokine production from macrophages, in vitro. Biol Pham Bull 1995 18 1320-1327. 

Investigation of a partially purified particulate gluean preparation from Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell walls has expanded. Glucan is held re-sponsil le for most of the reticuloendothelial-stimulating properties of zymosan. The preparation was reported to activate macrophages as assessed by... 

M44. Moore, J. N., Cook, J. A., Morris, D. D., Halushka, P. V., and Wise, W. C. Endotoxin-induced procoagulant activity, eicosanoid synthesis, and tumor necrosis factor production by rat peritoneal macrophages Effect of endotoxin tolerance and glucan. Circ. Shock 31, 281-295 (1990). 

Many polysaccharides, especially 5-(1 3)-glucans, have been shown to have immunomodulatory effects by cytokine-stimulating activities. Cytokines can increase proliferation and differentiation of macrophages, T and B cells, and enhance cellular mechanisms of antitumour activity and antibody production. The polysaccharides are sometimes linked to a protein peptide. The so-called D-fraction ,... 

Two polysaccharides from shiitake can suppress tumours in experimental trials. Lentinan is a high My (1000000) P-1,3 glucan, with no peptide. It has pronounced antitumour activities in animals and is a potent interferon inducer in animals when administered intravenously however, oral administration did not suppress tumour growth in animals. KS-2, containing mannose as the main component and a small amount of peptide, demonstrated effective suppression of tumour growth in vivo by oral or intraperitoneal administration. Studies indicate strong macrophage activation—this is associated with induction of interferon (Fuji et al. 1978). 

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