EFFECTS OF ARTESUNATE ON IMMUNE FUNCTION IN MICE

AIM: To study the effects of artesunate (dihydroartemisinine-12-alpha- succinate, Art) on immune function in mice. METHODS: Hemolysin concent ration was determined by colorimetric method. Serum IgG and C3 content s were measured by single immunodiffusion method. Percentage of lympho cyte transformation, phagocytosis percentage and phagocytic index were counted under microscope. RESULTS: Art im 75 mg kg(-1) bid X 7 d decr eased the h umolysin-forming capacity and levels of serum IgG of mice sensitized with sheep red blood cell. The serum complement 3 level ros e remarkably, when Art was given im to Plasmodium berghei-infected mic e. Art enhanced the PHA-induced lymphocyte transformation rate (in viv o) in mice and increased the weight of spleen but reduced that of thym us in mice. Art elevated the DNFB-induced delayed-type hypersensitivit y. Art im 75 mg kg(-1) bid X 5 d reduced the percentage of phagocytosi s of peritoneal macrophages and the phagocytic index. CONCLUSION: Art suppressed the humoral immune responses but enhanced the cell-mediated immunity.