[Immunopharmacologic study in mice of 2 beta-1, 3, beta-1, 6 polysaccharides (scleroglucan and PSAT) on the activation of macrophages and T lymphocytes].

: The immunopotentiating activity and mechanisms of PSAT and scleroglucan, two beta 1-3, beta 1-6 glucan, were investigated in mice: these polysaccharides increase the chemiluminescence of peritoneal phagocytes and the serum C3 level. Augmentation of DNA synthesis of spleen cells was induced in vivo by injecting PSAT or scleroglucan. An additional proliferative effect of these polysaccharides was observed when spleen cells were incubated with mitogens. Moreover, PSAT enhances the number of Thy1 lymphocytes and increases the ratio of lymphocytes L3T4/Lyt2 in mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii. No significant changes in immunoglobulin levels were found. These data indicate that PSAT and scleroglucan favorably affect the non-specific host defense and cellular immune response in mice.