AIM: To study the effects of gypenosides (Gyp) on lymphocyte transform
ation and DNA polymerase I activity. METHODS: Lymphocyte transformatio
n response was induced by concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharides respe
ctively. The activity of DNA polymerase Il and DNA synthesis were assa
yed with TTP and [(3H)]TdR incorporation respectively in mixed lymphoc
yte culture test. RESULTS: Gyp 2.5 - 20 mg L(-1) enhanced splenic T- a
nd B- cell transformation, increased the DNA synthesis and potentiated
the activity of DNA polymerase I. However, Gyp > 40 mg L(-1) showed c
ontrary effects. CONCLUSION: Gyp regulated lymphocyte transformation a
nd DNA synthesis by regulating DNA polymerase I activity.