Abstract
Effect of Schizophyllan (SPG), a simple glucan produced bySehizophyllum commune, and other immunostimulants on candidastatic activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages were examined. Peritoneal macrophages collected from the mice treated with each immunostimulant were seeded in 96-multiwell tissue culture plates and infected with serially (2-fold) dilutedCandida parapsilosiscells. By counting the number ofCandidacolonies in each well, fungistatic index (FI) was estimated after 18-20 hours incubation. (1) When a single dose of 0.01-500μg/mouse of SPG was intraperitoneally administered, the candidastatic activity of peritoneal macrophages proved to be stimulated, and the increase of FI maintained for 1-4 days. The optimal dose was considered to be about 100-200μg. (2) When 0.01-100μg/mouse of SPG was injected every other day for 3 times, increase of candidastatic activity was recognized. (3) No enhancement of candidastatic activity could be detected, when 0.01-100μg/mouse of SPG was administered once daily for 3-7 days. (4) The effect of MDP (muramyl dipeptide), MDP-Lys (L18), LPS, PSK, Levamisole and Zymosan were found to be higher than that of SPG, whereas Picibanil and MG (mannoglucan ofMicroellobosporia grisea) were less effective.
