Radioprotection effect and immuno-activity by beta-glucan in mice

Abstract

Intraperitoneal injection of beta-glucan greatly reduces mortality of mice exposed to whole body X-ray radiation and tumor growth in tumor bearing mice. Since the leukocyte and lymphocyte number was increased by a single dose of beta-glucan, the radioprotective effect of beta-glucan is probably mediated at least in part by a hemopoietic action in irradiated mice. In addition, both of the NK and LAK activity increased significantly by repeated dose of beta-glucan. Augmented immunological activity as seen in increased NK and LAK activity by beta-glucan seems to play a role in preventing secondary infections associated with irradiation, and to contribute probably to attenuated tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice through enhanced anti-tumor immunity. From these, beta-glucan is expected to be promising for the treatment of cancer patients receiving radiotherapy.