Development, physicochemical characterization and preclinical efficacy evaluation of a water soluble glucan sulfate derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

This report describes the development, characterization and preclinical efficacy evaluation of water soluble glucan sulfate. Glucan sulfate was derived from insoluble beta-1,3-D-glucan isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The proposed repeating unit empirical formula of glucan sulfate is [(C6H10O5)5.

A method for the solubilization of a (1----3)-beta-D-glucan isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

This report describes a method for the solubilization of a micro-particulate beta-D-glucan. Insoluble glucan is dissolved in methyl sulfoxide and urea (8M) and partially phosphorylated at 100 degrees. The resulting water-soluble product is called glucan phosphate.

The role of complement in glucan-induced protection against septic shock.

Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that glucan will significantly enhance survival, decrease bacteremia, maintain reticuloendothelial function, and reduce histopathology in a murine model of gram-negative septic shock [1]. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the role of complement in glucan-enhanced protection against septic shock. AKR/J mice, which are congenitally C5-deficient, and ICR/HSD mice that were complement-depleted by treatment with purified cobra venom factor (CVF), were injected IP with glucan (50 mg/kg) on days 5 and 3 prior to IP challenge with 1 X 10(8) E.

Soluble glucan and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells in the therapy of experimental hepatic metastases.

Previous studies have indicated the efficacy of adoptive immunotherapy utilizing recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells in the treatment of advanced neoplastic disease. However, this therapeutic approach is associated with considerable toxicity, primarily due to the systemic administration of rIL-2. The present study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of a newly developed water-soluble glucan, when administered in combination with LAK cells, in the therapy of experimental hepatic metastases.

Effect of glucan on neutrophil dynamics and immune function in Escherichia coli peritonitis.

Previous studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that glucan, a nonspecific immunomodulator, modifies the course of murine Escherichia coli peritonitis. The protective effect of glucan was mediated, in part, by macrophages. In the present study, leukocyte dynamics in the peritoneal cavity and peripheral blood of glucan-treated mice following E.