ANTITUMOR ACTION OF SOME GLUCANS

ESPECIALLY ON ITS CORRELATION TO THEIR CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

Abstract

Chemical properties and host-mediated antitumor activity of the glucans of various origins were examined to elucidate the relationship between chemical structure and antitumor activity. It was concluded that the glucans, which were prepared from both culture filtrate and mycelia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Masse 2404 and which possessed a certain specific structure composed mainly of chains of β-(1→3)-linked D-glucose residues, were most effective in antitumor action. These glucans were markedly effective same as the polysaccharides prepared from the plants of Gramineae reported previously, even in smaller doses such as 5-25mg/kg. The other glucans composed mainly of a polymer of β-(1→3)-linked D-glucose residues and the glucans considered to be nigeran type were moderately effective. The remaining glucans composed of α-configuration showed no effect.