Propolis: lymphocyte proliferation and IFN-gamma production.
We evaluated propolis influence on polyclonal activation of lymphocytes by concanavalin A (Con A). The in vitro experiments showed that propolis decreases splenocyte proliferation both in the absence or presence of Con A. The suppression in mitogen-induced splenocyte proliferation also occurred when mice were treated intraperitoneally with propolis for 3 days. An increased of IFN-gamma production in the culture supernatants of the same cells was observed. A dual action of propolis on lymphocyte activation was proposed: it decreases splenocyte proliferation in the presence or absence of Con A and stimulates IFN-gamma production by spleen cells. These results are important to understand the immunomodulatory action of propolis on the host's specific and non-specific immunity.
Sá-Nunes
A
A
Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Bromatology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Faccioli
L H
LH
Sforcin
J M
JM
D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003208:Concanavalin A / Q000494:pharmacology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D011429:Propolis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D003208:Concanavalin A; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D011429:Propolis