Analysis of immunomodulating cytokine mRNAs in the mouse induced by mushroom polysaccharides

The immunomodulating action of two mushroom antitumor polysaccharides, poly saccharide-protein complex (PSPC) and lentinan, was elucidated through anal ysing the expression profile of cytokines during a time course (0 h to 48 h ) after their administration. Among the 5 cytokine genes, the induction of a marked increase in the mRNA levels of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, I FN-gamma and M-CSF by PSPC and lentinan was observed in the peritoneal exud ate cells and splenocytes. However, the time point of their increased produ ction was different after PSPC and lentinan administration.