Abstract
For the purpose of preventing carcinogenesis, we have given Nocardia rubra Cell Wall Skeleton (N-CWS) to the retired workers of the Okunojima Poison Gas Factory since four years ago. To see a part of NK cell or K cell played in the action of N-CWS, 200 μg of N-CWS was. administered to the 16 retired workers, and changes on activities of NK cells, ADCC, PHA induced cytotoxicity (PHA-I. C.) and PHA response were studied. The NK cell activity against K-562 was examined by the 51Cr release assay and the activities of NK cells as well as ADCC and PHA-I. C. against T-24 were measured by the 3H-proline assay.
The NK cell activity against K-562 as well as ADCC activity against T-24 indicated a significant increase two weeks after administration of N-CWS, which then gradually reduced in 12 weeks to the before level. On the other hand, no significant change was observed with PHA-I. LC. activity and PHA response.
From the above data it is noted that the activities of NK cell and ADCC are augmented by administration of N-CWS.
