Publication

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