Effects of Nocardia rubra cell wall skeleton on interleukin 2 production and lymphocyte proliferation in former poison gas factory workers.
Phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced interleukin 2 (IL-2) production and lymphocyte proliferation were measured in former workers of the Okunojima Poison Gas Factory (poison gas workers), who have a high incidence of lung cancer, and the efficacy of administration of Nocardia rubra cell wall skeleton (N-CWS) was studied. In comparison with normal controls and poison gas workers receiving N-CWS, lymphocyte proliferation in poison gas workers not receiving N-CWS showed a significant decrease, while IL-2 production showed a slight though not statistically significant decrease. When N-CWS was administered to poison gas workers, IL-2 production and lymphocyte proliferation were significantly elevated, with a peak two weeks after administration. N-CWS, by elevating IL-2 production of lymphocytes, is considered to have improved the depression of lymphocyte proliferation.
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000368:Aged; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000276:immunology; D005739:Gas Poisoning / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008875:Middle Aged; D009615:Nocardia / Q000276:immunology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000276:immunology; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins / Q000494:pharmacology
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D007376:Interleukin-2; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins