The Journal of Medical Microbiology, Vol 36, Issue 2 112-116, Copyright © 1992 by Society for General Microbiology
The protective activity of immunostimulants against Listeria monocytogenes infection in mice
H. Tomioka, K. Sato and H. Saito
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shimane Medical University, Izumo, Japan.
The function of peritoneal macrophages induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.)
injection of attenuated Streptococcus pyogenes (OK-432), Bacillus Calmette
Guerin (BCG), protein-bound polysaccharide preparation isolated from
Coriolus vesicolor (PSK) or Lactobacillus casei was examined. The
PMA-triggered respiratory burst (production of O2- and H2O2) of macrophages
induced by OK-432, BCG or Lac. casei was greater than that of resident or
thioglycollate-stimulated macrophages and was similar to that of
BCG-activated macrophages. PSK failed to enhance the production of O2- or
H2O2 by macrophages. Alkaline phosphodiesterase (APD) activity was reduced
in macrophages induced by OK-432, BCG or Lac. casei injection and in
BCG-activated macrophages. The APD activity of macrophages obtained 7 and
13 days after i.p. injection of PSK was elevated, as with
thioglycollate-stimulated macrophages. Listericidal activity in vitro was
enhanced in macrophages obtained in 13 and 7 days, but suppressed in
macrophages obtained 2 days after OK-432, BCG or Lac. casei injection. Lac.
casei administered either 2 or 13 days before infection with Listeria
monocytogenes was protective but OK-432, BCG (0.1 mg) and PSK were not,
even though they were able to stimulate macrophage function.
