The effects of a preparation of heat-killed cells of Enterococcus faecalis FK-23 taken orally on the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were examined in germ-free, and SPF ICR mice. These mice had TNF in their sera 1h after an intravenous injection of the FK-23 preparation or bacterial lipopolysaccharide. The mean TNF level in germ-free mice after the injection was significantly higher at day 0 after the mice ate feed containing the FK-23 preparation on days-7 to -3, with the usual feed given afterward until day 0. In the SPF ICR mice, TNF production was not changed when feed containing the FK-23 preparation was given. These results indicate that the oral intake of the FK-23 preparation had immunomodulating effects.
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