INHIBITION OF MURINE CHRONIC GRAFT-VERSUS-HOST DISEASE BY THE CHLOROFORM EXTRACT OF TRIPTERYGIUM-WILFORDII HOOK F

The effects of chloroform extract of Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook f(TWH extract) on chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were examined in a murine experimental model. Chronic GVHD was induced by intravenous transfer of parental DBA/2 spleen cells into unirradiated (C57BL/6 x D BA/2)F1 recipient mice. The effects of TWH extract on GVHD were assess ed by measuring both the degree of splenomegaly and the total serum Ig E levels 3 weeks after the cell transfer. Subcutaneous administration of TWH extract once a day for 3 weeks suppressed chronic GVHD in a dos e-dependent manner. Significant suppression of splenomegaly was first noted in mice treated with 7.5 mu g/kg of the agent. The maximum inhib ition was observed when mice were treated with more than 10.0 mu g/kg (but not 5.0 mu g/kg) caused complete suppression of serum IgE hyperpr oduction. The ability of donor T cells purified from recipient spleen cells to produce interleukin 4 in response to stimulation with anti-CD 3 monoclonal antibody was significantly abrogated when recipient mice were treated with 10.0 mu g/kg of the agent. These results strongly su ggest that TWH extract will be an addition to the cohort of immunosupp ressive therapies used in solid organ and bone marrow transplantation.