Immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects of levamisole

The results of investigations of levamisole on immunocomptence of mice are described in the context of the published literature. Clinical and experime ntal use of levamisole as an immuno-stimulator in human and veterinary medi cine were investigated together with its effects on the phagocytic and lymp hatic system and its biochemical mode of action. No immunostimulatory effec t of levamisole was observed following daily subcutaneous injections of 2.5 mg/kg in combination with ct special red murrain vaccination regime. Also, no such effect was observed in the mouse model of Yersinia enterocolitica, which is lethal, but bacterial fecal excretion was reduced by 50%. In the Kaunat mice allograft transplantation test, in which levamisole was injecte d subcutaneously every second day at 2.5 mg/kg, there was a significant del ay in the transplantation rejection time. This may be indicative of an immu nosuppressive effect of levamisole. Given the observed differences in the e ffects of levamisole. the possible causes and influencing factors are discu ssed.