Effect of PSK on superoxide generation from polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Abstract

The influence of PSK on superoxide generation from polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) was studied by Cypridana luciferin analog-dependent chemiluminescence and by electron spin resonance assay using 5, 5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) as a spin trap. Superoxide generation from rat peritoneal PMN stimulated by OZ or PMA was augmented by the 8-day oral administration of PSK in vitro, but not by the incubation with PSK in vitro. PSK had scavenging effect of superoxide generated from the hypoxanthinexanthine oxidase system. These results suggest that the enhanced generation of oxygen radicals induced by PSK may play a beneficial role in the tumoricidal activity exhibited by PMN. The significance of the scavenging effect of superoxide by PSK remains unknown.