Immunomodulatory activity of aqueous extract of flowers with particular reference to splenocytes proliferation and cytokines induction.

Objectives: To investigate the immunomodulatory activity of aqueous extract of flowers (NAFE) with particular reference to splenocytes proliferation and induction of cytokines.

Materials And Methods: Antibody titer was determined by tube agglutination and indirect ELISA assay in four groups of mice-control, antigen alone, and NAFE-treated (400 and 800 mg/kg for 21 days) after immunization with antigen while cellular immunity was studied in three groups of rats (control and NAFE-treated - 400 and 800 mg/kg) following DNCB application. Splenocytes from untreated and NAFE-treated rats were stimulated using concanavalin-A (Con-A) and optical density (OD) and stimulation index were determined. Splenocytes from control rats were also treated with NAFE (50-1600 μg/ml) and Con-A to determine the effect on splenocytes proliferation. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-6 levels in splenocytes supernatant from control and NAFE-treated rats and following treatment of splenocytes with NAFE (50-1600 μg/ml) were determined using ELISA kits.

Results: Marked to a significant increase in antibody titer by both the methods in NAFE-treated mice and a significant increase in skin thickness in rats after challenge with DNCB, respectively suggested humoral and cell-mediated immunostimulant potential of NAFE. Significant increase in OD and stimulation index following e x vivo and exposure of splenocytes and sensitization with Con-A and significant elevation in IL-2 and IL-6 levels in splenocytes supernantant was also observed after their and exposure to NAFE.

Conclusion: Humoral and cell-mediated immunostimulant activity of NAFE seems to be mediated through splenocytes proliferation and increased production of cytokines, especially IL-2 and IL-6.