ANTITUMOR-ACTIVITY AND TUMOR-NECROSIS-FACTOR PRODUCTION OF PHYTOLACCA-ACINOSA POLYSACCHARIDES-I IN MICE

The antitumor activities of Phytolacca acinosa polysaccharides I (PAP- 1) and its effects on the induction of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and immunological cytotoxicity of peritoneal macrophages were studied. PA P-I was given ip 5-20 mg . kg-1.d-1 X 7 d to ICR mice as priming agent with subsequent lipopolysaccharides (10 mug/mouse) iv for TNF product ion. TNF activity was measured by crystal violet staining assay using L929 cells. PAP-1 showed priming activity for TNF production with hept o-splenic hyperplasia in a dose-dependent manner. The peritoneal macro phages treated with PAP-1 10 and 20 mg . kg-1 showed 67 and 74%, respe ctively, cytotoxicity (the control 34% cyotoxicity) against Meth A cel ls at effector : target = 40 : 1. PAP-1 10 and 20 mg . kg-1 prolonged the survival time of mice bearing ascites Meth A tumor from 21 +/- 4 t o 32 +/- 10 and 38 +/- 8 d and inhibited the solid Meth A tumor growth with inhibition rate of 28. 5 and 55. 7% , respectively. These result s suggested that the antitumor activities of PAP-I were based on the a ctivation of macrophages and induction of TNF.