Effect of MSC on the immune response of mice

The supposed immunostimulatory actions of MSG, a new fermented wheat germ e xtract standardized to its benzoquinone composition (trade name: AVEMAR) we re studied examining blastic transformation of peripheral blood lymphocytes of mice treated with MSG. It was found that MSC significantly increased th e degree of blastic transformation caused by Concanavalin A. Using the B10L P to C(57)Bl skin graft system, MSC (0.03 and 3.0 g kg(-1) applied orally) acted in favour of restoring the immune function. On the other hand, 2,6-di methoxy-p-benzoquinone (DMBQ), applied in equivalent doses (0.012 and 1.2 m g kg(-1)), did not shorten the rejection time of skin grafts. The immune re storing effect, as well as the blastic transformation enhancing potential o f MSC may be exploited in various cases of decreased immune response. (C) 1 999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.