Silybin inhibition of human T-lymphocyte activation

Int J Tissue React. 1988;10(3):177-81.

Abstract

Silybin, a 3-oxyflavone occurring in the thistle Silybum marianum, displays a dose-dependent inhibition of in-vitro lymphocyte blastogenesis induced by lectins (phytohaemagglutinin, Concanavalin A and pokeweed) and by anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody. The drug has no effect on cell viability and spontaneous 3H-thymidine incorporation, suggesting that the inhibitory activity is not due to aspecific toxicity. Since all the T-cell responses investigated require cell-membrane-associated events, the effect of silybin is probably at the level of the cell membrane, as for other flavonoids. Addition of CuSO4 prevents the inhibitory activity of silybin on PHA-induced proliferative response, indicating that the drug could exert its activity also by virtue of a chelation mechanism.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Copper / pharmacology
  • DNA / biosynthesis
  • Flavonoids / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Lectins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects
  • Silymarin / pharmacology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / drug effects*
  • Thymidine / metabolism

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Flavonoids
  • Lectins
  • Silymarin
  • Copper
  • DNA
  • Thymidine