BRAZILIN MODULATES IMMUNE FUNCTION MAINLY BY AUGMENTING T-CELL ACTIVITY IN HALOTHANE ADMINISTERED MICE

Previously we reported that brazilin, the main principle of Caesalpini a sappan, was able to improve the altered immune functions caused by h alothane administration in mice. To elucidate the mechanisms of its im munomodulating activities, the effects of brazilin on the functions of T cells and splenic cellularity were investigated. Brazilin decreased splenic cellularity and IL-2 production which had been augmented in m ice treated with halothane (21.5 % in olive oil, 10 mmol/kg) for 4 con secutive days whereas the reduced expression of IL-2 receptors by ConA or standard IL-2 was increased by brazilin treatment. These data indi cate that halothane induced a dysfunction of T cells resulting in abno rmal immune responses and these altered immune functions might be impr oved mainly by affecting the function of T cells.