Modulatory effects of chitosan adipate on the T and B lymphocyte subsets in mice

J Vet Sci. 2006 Jun;7(2):157-60. doi: 10.4142/jvs.2006.7.2.157.

Abstract

This study examined the subsets of T lymphocytes in the thymus, spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes as well as the subsets of B lymphocytes in the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes in mice administered chitosan adipate (20 mg/kg) intraperitoneally once or four times at 24 h intervals. The results showed that chitosan adipate decreased the percentage of immature CD4+CD8+ thymic T cells and increased the percentage of mature CD4+ and CD8+ thymocytes. The most significant stimulating effect was observed after four injections. A single exposure to chitosan adipate increased the percentage of CD4+ mesenteric lymph node cells, but four injections of the drug increased the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ mesenteric lymph node cells. Chitosan adipate had no effect on the subset of splenic T cells. In contrast, chitosan adipate administered either once or four times increased the percentage of CD19+ splenocytes but had no effect on the percentage of CD19+ mesenteric lymph node cells. Overall, chitosan adipate induces the maturation and differentiation of thymocytes, and regulates the number of B splenic cells and lymph node T cells irrespective of the number of doses.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / drug effects*
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism
  • Chitosan / analogs & derivatives*
  • Chitosan / pharmacology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Immunologic Factors / pharmacology
  • Lymphoid Tissue / drug effects
  • Lymphoid Tissue / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / drug effects*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors
  • Chitosan