title: Enhancement of interleukin-1 and interleukin-2 production by soluble glucan.
abstract: Soluble glucan, a beta-1,3-linked polyglucose, is a biologic response modifier effective in the therapy of experimental neoplasia, infectious diseases and immunosuppression. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) are endogenous immunomodulators which are essential for effective immune responsiveness. In view of its broad spectrum of immunobiological activity, the ability of glucan to enhance the production of IL-1 and IL-2 was evaluated. Splenic IL-1 and IL-2 secretion as well as plasma IL-1 and IL-2 levels were determined in Sprague-Dawley rats receiving glucan (100 mg/kg, i.p.) at intervals ranging from 12 days to 1 h prior to collection of splenocytes and plasma. Glucan (100 mg/kg) was also injected either s.c., i.p. or i.v. on days -4, -3 and -2 prior to harvesting splenocytes on day 0. Splenic macrophage IL-1 production was initially elevated 12 h following glucan injection and was maintained for a 5 day period. IL-2 secretion by splenic lymphocytes was enhanced 6 h post-glucan and remained elevated for an additional 9 days. Plasma IL-1 activity was elevated 12 h post-injection, while IL-2 activity in plasma was enhanced at 1 h post-glucan. Peak IL-1 and IL-2 activity in plasma occurred 9 and 12 days, respectively, following glucan administration. With regard to route of administration, IV glucan was most effective in inducing lymphokine production. This study demonstrates that: (1) glucan will enhance IL-1 and IL-2 production and (2) elevations in lymphokine production can be maintained up to 12 days post-glucan.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005936:Glucans / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000097:blood; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000097:blood; D008264:Macrophages / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013154:Spleen / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D005936:Glucans; D007375:Interleukin-1; D007376:Interleukin-2