MODULATORY POTENCY OF DRUM STICK LECTIN ON THE HOST-DEFENSE SYSTEM

The immunomodulatory effect of a glucosamine specific lectin from drum stick (Moringa oleifera) (MOL) on selected immunological parameters w as studied in Balb/c mice. The effect of MOL on splenic lymphoid cells tested in vitro by (H-3) thymidine incorporation assay revealed the m itogenic property of MOL towards lymphocytes even at low concentration s (9 to 15 mug/ml). Further, MOL was shown to exert its modulatory eff ect in vivo on immune profiles of tumor bearing mice as reflected on n atural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity (NKCMC) and antibody dependen t cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). These effects were assessed at various time points of tumor growth against radiolabelled YAC-1 cells and ant ibody coated sheep red blood cells (SRBC) as respective targets, in a short term Cr-51 release assay. A single dose of MOL intraperitoneally resulted in a significant enhancement in NKCMC within 96hrs. ADCC res ponses were seen to have peaks on days 9 and 17 following the lectin a dministration.