In vitro immunomodulatory effects of fractions obtained from aqueous extracts of Larrea divaricata Cav (Jarilla) on mouse peritoneal macrophages.
OBJECTIVE
Larrea divaricata Cav. (Zygophyllaceae) is a plant widely used in Argentina.


METHODS
We isolated different fractions of L. divaricata aqueous extract containing minor amounts of NDGA, and we analyzed these fractions on mouse macrophages.


RESULTS
We showed that a fraction without NDGA was capableof activating macrophages, principally through the production of mitochondrial anion superoxide and H(2)O(2). This could be important in the defense of infections. Moreover, this fraction decreased NO level suggesting an anti-inflammatory action.


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that NDGA was not the compound responsible for the immunomodulatory action exerted by the aqueous extract from L. divaricata.
Martino
Renzo F
RF
Microbiology Section, Department of Biochemistry and Biological Science, Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, National University of San Luis, San Luis, Argentina.
Davicino
Roberto C
RC
Mattar
María A
MA
Casali
Yolanda A
YA
Correa
Silvia G
SG
Anesini
Claudia
C
Micalizzi
Blas
B
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D005260:Female; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D032442:Larrea / Q000737:chemistry; D018950:Lipopolysaccharide Receptors / Q000032:analysis; D017737:Macrophages, Peritoneal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D009637:Masoprocol / Q000494:pharmacology; D051379:Mice; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000096:biosynthesis; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism
D007155:Immunologic Factors; D018950:Lipopolysaccharide Receptors; D010936:Plant Extracts; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D009637:Masoprocol