Insights into sensitizing and eliciting capacity of gastric and gastrointestinal digestion products of shrimp(Penaeus vannamei)proteins in BALB/c mice

Shrimp(Penaeus vannamei)proteins have been shown an allergenic potential;however,little information is available on the sensitizing and eliciting capacity of shrimp protein digestion products.In this study,a BALB/c mice model was used to explore the allergenicity of shrimp protein sample(SPS)and their gastric and gastrointestinal digestion products(GDS/GIDS).As compared with the SPS groups,the GDS/GIDS groups caused lower specific immunoglobulins(Ig E/Ig G1)levels(P<0.05),but higher than the control groups,indicating that the digestion products sensitized the mice.Meanwhile,spleen index,mouse mast cell protease-1(m MCP-1)concentration and proportion of degranulated mast cells were significantly reduced in the GDS/GIDS groups(P<0.05);simultaneously,allergic symptoms,vascular permeability and histopathological changes of tissues were alleviated.Nevertheless,the allergenicity of digestion products cannot be eliminated and still cause systemic allergic reactions in mice.The study showed that the digestion products of shrimp still had high sensitizing and eliciting capacity.

Assessment of immune responses and intestinal flora in BALB/c mice model of wheat food allergy via different sensitization methods

Increasing incidences showed that food allergies have attracted more and more attention from researchers.BALB/c mice were sensitized with wheat gluten combined with aluminum hydroxide adjuvant via intraperitoneal injection,transdermal sensitization,and oral gavage sensitization route.Results showed that all the three sensitization methods could induce allergic symptoms;increase the serum antibody(total immunoglobulin E(IgE),specific IgE,IgG,IgA)and histamine content;promote the secretion of Th2 cytokines(interleukin(IL)-4,IL-5,IL-13)and inflammatory factors(IL-6,IL-17 A,IL-10);and inhibit the production of Th1 cytokines(IFN-γ,IL-2).However,the allergic symptoms of mice sensitized by intraperitoneal injection were the most obvious among the three models.The level of serum antibodies in intraperitoneal injection group was significantly higher than control.Subsequently,16 S rRNA sequencing technology was used to analyze the intestinal flora of mice.The results showed that the abundance of Firmicutes in the wheat protein sensitized group was lower than that in the normal group,while the abundance of Bacteroidetes was higher,and Lactobacillus was the difference marker in normal group.Bacterial species diversity analysis showed that the species richness and diversity of intestinal flora in mice were decreased,the difference between mice induced by intraperitoneal injection and normal control group mice was the most significant.Taken together,these results show that among three sensitization methods used to build a mouse model with aluminum hydroxide as adjuvant,intraperitoneal injection is the comparably best way to build a mouse sensitization mode.

Helicobacter Pylori-induced Gastritis Model in BALB/c Mice Infected With Fresh Isolates from a Human Complex Ulcer Patient

A useful helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis model using BALB/c mice was established for mimicking of human gastritis induced by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). The H. pylori isolates were obtained freshly from a human complex ulcer patient. BALB/c mice were fasted for 24 h and then 0.25 mL of 0.2 mol·L -1 NaHCO 3 was administered after by gavage to each mouse and 0.5 mL of 10 9 colonies formation unit per milliliter (CFU/mL) of H. pylori was administered 15 min. On the 3 rd day and 5 th day, the H. pylori inoculations were repeated. The inoculated mice were sacrificed in batch on the 5 th day, in the 2 nd week, 3 rd week and 4 th week. The gastric mucous membrane near pyloric portion was removed, treated and then cultured under microaerobic condition for detection of H.pylori. The remainders of the gastric membrane were fixed by 10% formaldehyde solution for pathological detection. The results showed that the H. pylori could be separated from the gastric membranes of inoculated mice. Obvious invasion of inflammatory cells in the gastric membranes of inoculated mice could be observed from pathological sections. It can be concluded that the inoculating fresh human H. pylori isolates can produce mouse gastritis. This model of BALB/c mice can be used for evaluating the therapeutic agents for the treatment of gastritis induced by H. pylori.

Establishment of BALB/c Mice Model for Food Allergy to Chinese Lobsters

[Objective] This study aimed to establish Balb/c mice model for food allergy caused by Chinese lobsters through using intraperitoneal injection for sensitization and explore methods for in vitro identification and evaluation of food allergy caused by Chinese lobsters. [Method] The 40 male Bal/c mice were divided into ovalbumin（OVA） positive control group, Coca＇s solution negative control group, blank control group and model group. Balb/c mice model was established by intraperitoneally injection of immunized Balb/c mice with OVA or Chinese lobster crude protein with aluminum hydroxide adjuvant. IgE and histamine levels in serum after the second challenge were determined by ELISA method, and the specific IgE antibody titer was determined by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test（PCA）; additionally, spleen index and histological changes in the small intestine, as well as food allergy symptoms after challenge were also calculated or observed. [Results] After the last challenge, IgE content was（236.75 ±73.39） μg/L in the Chinese lobster crude protein group, revealing no difference with that in the OVA group, but significantly higher than that in either the Coca＇s solution group or the blank control group（P 0.01）;histamine content in serum in the Chinese lobster crude protein group was（406.55±232.79）, significantly higher than that in the blank control group（P0.01）. In the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test, IgE antibody titer reached 1/16 after the last challenge in the Chinese lobster crude protein group. Spleen index in both Chinese lobster crude protein group and OVA group was significantly greater than that in either the Coca＇s solution group or the blank control group（P0.01）. What＇s more, infiltration of inflammatory cells like lymphocytes and eosnophils at the lamina propria of intestinal mucosa was also observed both Chinese lobster crude protein group and OVA group. [Conclusion] This study established Balb/c mice model for food allergy caused by Chinese lobsters; serum IgE and ELISA assay and specific IgE antibody titer in PCA test can be used for the in vitro identification and evaluation of food allergies caused by Chinese lobsters.

Immunotoxicity of Acrylamide in Female BALB/c Mice

Objective To investigate the immunotoxicity of acrylamide （ACR） in female BALB/c mice.Methods A total of 200 female mice weighing 18-22 g were randomly divided into four clusters based on body weight, and each weight-based cluster included five groups （10 mice per group）： negative control, positive control （cyclophosphamide）, low, intermediate, and high dose ACR groups, and all the groups were administered ACR by gavage for 30 days. At the end of the study, the immunotoxicological effects of the ACR were evaluated through immunopathology, humoral immunity, cellular immunity, and non-specific immunity. Results The terminal body weight, spleen and thymus weights, lymphocyte counts in the ACR-H group were decreased, pathological changes were observed in lymph glands, thymus and spleen. %T cells in blood lymphocytes were significantly increased in all ACR-treated groups, and a significant reduction of % natural killer（NK） cells and increase of %Th cells were observed in the ACR-H group. interleukin-6（IL-6）, Concanavalin A（ConA）-induced splenocyte proliferation and serum half hemolysis value （HCso） were also significantly suppressed in the ACR-H group. Conclusion ACR elicited an inhibitory effect on cellular and humoral immunity of mice after 30 day feeding.

Molecular Cloning of a Novel cDNA From Mus Muscular BALB/c Mice Encoding Glycosyl Hydrolase Family 1: A Homolog of Human Lactase-Phlorizin Hydrolase

Objective To study the mechanism of lactose intolerance （LI） by cloning the mouse lactase cDNA and recombining a vector. Methods Total murine RNA was isolated from the small intestine of a 4-week-old BALB/c mouse （δ）. Crene-specific primers were designed and synthesized according to the cDNA sequences of lactase-phlorizin hydrolase （LPH） in human, rat, and rabbit. A coding sequence （CDS） fragment was obtained using RT-PCR, and inserted into a clone vector pNEB-193, then the cDNA was sequenced and analyzed using bioinformatics. Results The cDNA from the BALB/c mouse with 912 bp encoding 303 amino acid residues. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence using bioinforrnatics revealed that this cDNA shared extensive sequence homology with human LPH containing a conserved glycosyl hydrolase family 1 motif important for regulating lactase intolerance. Conclusion BALB/c mouse LPH cDNA （GenBank accession No： AY751548） provides a necessary foundation for study of the biological function and regulatory mechanism of the lactose intolerance in mice.

Short-lived AIM2 Inflammasome Activation Relates to Chronic MCMV Infection in BALB/c Mice

Absent in melanoma 2(AIM2)inflammasome is a crucial link bridging the innate host defense and the subsequent adaptive immunity when activated by exogenous double stranded DNA(dsDNA).Through establishing models of disseminated murine cytomegalovirus(MCMV)infection in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice,we evaluated dynamic expression of AIM2 inflammasome components and its relationship with pathological damage and viral replication,trying tofigure out whether AIM2 inflammasome is related to the chronic mechanism of MCMV.BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were sacrificed on day 0,1,3,7,14 and 28 post infection.Expression levels of AIM2,pro-caspase-1,caspase-1 p20,pro-IL1β and mature IL1β in primary peritoneal macrophages(PMs)and spleens were detected by Western blotting.Contents of IL18 in the serum were detected by ELISA.Pathological examinations of livers were performed,and mRNA levels of MCMV glycoprotein B(gB)in salivary glands also assessed.Results showed that expression levels of AIM2 in PMs and spleens of C57BL/6 mice increased on day 3,even continued to day 28;caspase-1 p20 and mature IL1β increased on day 7,14 and 28;the persistently high expression of IL1β in the serum started on day 1,showing a double peak curve.As for BALB/c mice,expression of AIM2 in PMs increased on day 1 and day 7,while contents of AIM2 in spleens increased on day 1 and day 3;caspase-1 p20 and mature ILip merely increased 7 days fter infection.Thereafter,expression levels of AIM2,caspase-1 p20,mature IL1β and IL18 were limited;the duration of AIM2 inflammasome activation in BALB/c mice was much shorter than that in C57BL/6 mice.The severer pathological damage and more viral replications in BALB/c mice further proved the deficient antiviral immunity to MCMV.In conclusion,the activation of AIM2 inflammasome in BALB/c mice was short-lived,which is quite possibly related to the chronicity of MCMV infection.

Immunotoxicological Evaluation of Wheat Genetically Modified with TaDREB4 Gene on BALB/c Mice

Objective To evaluate the immunotoxicological effects of genetically modified wheat with TaDREB4 gene in female BALB/c mice. Methods Female mice weighing 18-22 g were divided into five groups （10 mice/group）, which were set as negative control group, common wheat group, parental wheat group, genetically modified wheat group and cyclophosphamide positive control group, respectively. Mice in negative control group and positive control group were fed with AIN93G diet, mice in common wheat group, non-genetically modified parental wheat group and genetically modified wheat group were fed with feedstuffs added corresponding wheat （the proportion is 76%} for 30 days, then body weight, absolute and relative weight of spleen and thymus, white blood cell count, histological examination of immune organ, peripheral blood lymphocytes phenotyping, serum cytokine, serum immunoglobulin, antibody plaque-forming cell, serum half hemolysis value, mitogen-induced splenocyte proliferation, delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction and phagocytic activities of phagocytes were detected. Results No immunotoxicological effects related to the consumption of the genetically modified wheat were observed in BALB/c mice when compared with parental wheat group, common wheat group and negative control group. Conclusion From the immunotoxicological point of view, results from this study demonstrate that genetically modified wheat with TaDREB4 gene is as safe as the parental wheat.

Cyclosporin A protects Balb/c mice from liver damage induced by superantigen SEB and D-GaIN

AIM To investigate the pathogenic effect ofSEB and D-GalN on liver and the protection ofcyclosporin A, the relationship between hepaticapoptosis and necrosis and the possiblemechanism of acute hepatic necrosis.METHODS After staphylococcal enterotoxin B(SEB ) mixed with D--galactosamine (D-GaiN )were injected intraperitoneally into Balb/c miceand those previously treated with cyclosporin A,blood samples were collected and livers wereisolated at 2, 6, 12 and 24 h. Patterns othepatocellular death were studiedmorphologically and biochemically, circulatingcytokines (TNF-a, IFN--y ) and mice mortalitywithin 24h was assessed.RESU’LTS The SEB could induce the typicalapoptotic changes of hepatocytes, the D-GaiNcould induce hepatocytes apoptosis anddegeneration at the same time, and the micehaving received the SEB + D-GaiN injectionsdeveloped apoptosis at 2 and 6 h, but after 12 hhepatocytes were characterized by severein jury, whereas all the examinations in thecyclosporin A treated mice were normal.CONCLUSION Hepatic cell apoptosis might berelated to necrosis, and massive hepatocyteapoptosis is likely the initiating step of acutehepatic necrosis in mice. The effects induced bySEB and D--GaiN on hepatocytes might bemediated by T cells, and could be prevented bycyclosporin A.

Adjuvant activity of Pasteurella multocida A strain,Pasteurella multocida B strain and Salmonella typhimurium bacterial DNA on cellular and humoral immunity responses against Pasteurella multocida specific strain infections in Balb/c mice

Objective: To evaluate the effects of Pasteurella multocida(P. multocida) vaccines on the expression and release of antibodies, interleukin(IL)-6 and IL-12 by serum. Methods: Balb/c mice were immunized with two formalin and iron inactivated vaccine doses within 2 weeks. The vaccines were adjuvant with P. multocida A strain, P. multocida B strain and Salmonella typhimurium bacterial DNA(AbDNA, BbDNA and SbDNA for short, respectively). The animals were challenged 4 weeks after immunization. Blood of mice was collected to detect the change of specific antibody, IL-6, and IL-12 using ELISA. Results: The specific antibody and interleukins in the immunized group increased significantly compared to the control mice after vaccination and challenge(P<0.05). The highest release of these cytokines was obtained by P.multocida inactivated with iron and adjuvant with AbDNA at a concentration of 25 μg/mL. The antibody titer peak was 0.447 in mice vaccinated with iron-killed whole-cell antigen adjunct with AbDNA. The time-courses of release showed that bacterial DNA was able to stimulate IL-6 and IL-12 production more than alum(P<0.05). Conclusions: Our findings introduce that bacterial DNA is capable of releasing an immunological response with several cytokines.These indicate that bacterial DNA entrapped with killed P. multocida antigen is a new and effective adjuvant to enhance specific immunity and resistance of animal against the infectious pathogen, which could simplify the development of highly promising strong adjuvant.

Etoposide sensitizes CT26 colorectal adenocarcinoma to radiation therapy in BALB/c mice

AIM： To investigate the combined effect of etoposide and radiation on CT26 colorectal adenocarcinoma implanted into BALB/c mice. METHODS： We evaluated the radiosensitizing effect of etoposide on CT26 colorectal adenocarcinoma in a syngeneic animal model. BALB/c mice were subcutaneously implanted with CT26 cells and divided into four groups： Gonlyol （intra-peritoneal saline×2） group, etoposide （5 mg/kg intra-peritoneally×2） group, radiation therapy （RT 5 Gy×2 fractions） group, and combination therapy with etoposide （5 mg/kg intra-peritoneally 1 h before radiation） group. RESULTS： Tumor growth was significantly inhibited by RT and combination therapy. The effect of combination therapy was better than that of RT. No significant changes were noted in body weight, plasma alanine aminotransferase, or creatinine in any group. The leukocyte count significantly but transiently decreased in the RT and combination therapy groups, but not in the etoposide and control groups. There was no skin change or hair loss in the RT and combination therapy groups. CONCLUSION： Etoposide can sensitize CT26 colorectal adenocarcinoma in BALB/c mice to RT without significant toxicity.

Evaluation of the adjuvanticity of artemisinin with soluble Leishmania major antigens in BALB/c mice

Objective： To determine the adjuvant potential of artemisinin with a soluble leishmanial antigen in vaccinating BALB/c mice. Methods： Seventy two female BALB/c mice were randomly assigned into six groups. The mice were vaccinated with soluble Leishmania antigens （SLA） alone, artemisinin co-administered with SLA, SLA and Bacille Calmette Gu fin （BCG） vaccine, and artemisinin and BCG alone. Unvaccinated mice formed the control group. The induction of cell-mediated immunity following vaccination was determined by measuring in vitro lymphocyte proliferation and the production of interleukin （IL）-4, IL-5 and gamma interferon （IFN-γ） determined by flow cytometry. Protection against L. major was determined by quantifying parasite burdens in L. major infected footpads using a limiting dilution assay and by measuring lesion sizes of the infected footpad compared to the contralateral uninfected footpad. Results： Mice receiving SLA plus artemisinin produced significantly high levels of IL-4 and IL-5 （P 〈 0.05） and low levels of IFN-γ, resulting in exacerbated disease. In addition, subcutaneous administration of SLA ＋ artemisinin, artemisinin alone or SLA alone resulted in the development of large footpad swellings and high parasite loads that were comparable to those of the control unvaccinated mice （P 〉 0.05）, resulting in exacerbated disease. Conclusion： These data suggest that artemisinin is not a suitable adjuvant for Leishmania vaccines. However, since artemisinin has been shown to be effective against Leishmania parasites in vitro and in vivo, further studies ought to be conducted to determine its immunochemotherapeutic potential when co-administered with Leishmania antigens.

In Vivo Animal Model Evaluation of a Powerful Oral Nanomedicine for Treating Breast Cancer in BALB/c Mice Using 4T1 Cell Lines without Chemotherapy

Nanopharmaceuticals containing quantum dot nanoparticles (Q-Dot NPs) for treating serious cancers such as breast cancer have made fantastic proposals. In this study, ZnO quantum dot NPs are formulated via ZnO@PVP nanopolymer as co-assistants coordinating with efficacious suitable wetting agents, PEG-binding compound, and W/O emulsifier for producing eco-friendly water-based nanodrug. Several characterization techniques containing SEM, TEM, FTIR, photoluminescence, zeta potential, and UV-Vis absorption were employed for ZnO Q-Dot NPs in nanodrug. This work aims to investigate the anti-tumor effects of such nanomedicine on the 4T1 breast cancer cell line in BALB/c mice, being elaborated through intraperitoneal, injection (IVP) and oral therapy. The impressive findings showed that ZnO nanodrug caused changes in blood factors, having the most effectiveness at 40 μg/ml concentration after two weeks of oral treatments. The significant increase in white blood cells (WBC) neutrophils and meaningful decreases in lymphocytes and especially cholesterol were powerful simultaneous impacts, successfully treating malignant breast cancer masses. In this significant animal model research for breast cancer, the sick mice recovered entirely and even had a safe space to mate. Histopathological results showed no evidence of breast tumor formation or metastasis in the group treated with nanodrug and their children. This nanomedicine has a therapeutic effect, and is ready to be applied for treating volunteer breast cancer patients. However, its prevention (inhibitory) effect can also be analyzed and added to current data in future studies.

Immunophenotype and differentiation capacity of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells from CBA/Ca,ICR and Balb/c mice

AIM:To assess the capacity to isolate and expand mesenchymal stem cells(MSC)from bone marrow of CBA/Ca,ICR and Balb/c mice. METHODS:Bone marrow of tibia and femur were flushed,cultured and maintained in supplemented Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium.MSC immunophenotype of cultures were tracked along increasing passages for positivity to CD106,Sca-1 and CD44 and negativity to CD45,CD11b and MHC classⅡ.Differentiation capacity of MSC towards osteogenic and adipo-genic lineages were also assessed. RESULTS:MSC were successfully cultured from bone marrow of all 3 strains,albeit differences in the temporal expression of certain surface antigens.Their differentiation into osteocytes and adipocytes were also observed. MSC from all 3 mouse strains demonstrated a shift from a haematopoietic phenotype(CD106-CD45+CD11b+Sca-1low)to typical MSC phenotype(CD106+CD45-CD11b-Sca-1high)with increasing passages. CONCLUSION:Information garnered assists us in the decision of selecting a mouse strain to generate MSC from for downstream experimentation.

A murine model of dengue virus infection in suckling C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice

Dengue is a significant public health concern across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide,principally causing disease in children.Very young children are at increased risk of severe manifestations of dengue infection.The mechanism of dengue disease in this population is not fully understood.In this study,we present a murine model of dengue virus primary infection in suckling C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice in order to investigate disease pathogenesis.Three-day-old C57BL/6 mice intraperitoneally infected with DENV-2 NGC were more susceptible to infection than BALB/c mice,showing increased liver enzymes,extended viremia,dissemination to organs and histological alterations in liver and small intestine.Furthermore,the immune response in DENV-infected C57BL/6 mice exhibited a marked Th1 bias compared to BALB/c mice.These findings highlight the possibility of establishing an immunocompetent mouse model of DENV-2 infection in suckling mice that reproduces certain signs of disease observed in humans and that could be used to further study agerelated mechanisms of dengue pathogenesis.

Novel DNA vaccine based on hepatitis B virus core gene induces specific immune responses in Balb/c mice

AIM： To investigate the immunogenidty of a novel DNA vacoine, pSW3891/HBc, based on HBV core gene in Balb/c mice. METHODS： A novel DNA vaccine, pSW3891/HBc, encoding HBV core gene was constructed using a vector plasmid pSW3891. Balb/c mice were immunized with either pSW3891/HBc or empty vector DNA via gene gun. IgG anti-HBc responses in mouse sera were demonstrated by ELISA. Specific cytotoxicity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes （CTLs） of mice was quantitatively measured by lactate dehydrogenase release assay. RESULTS： HBcAg was expressed effectively in 293T cell line transiently transfected with pSW3891/HBc. Strong IgG anti-HBc responses were elicited in mice immunized with pSW3891/HBc. The end-point titers of anti-HBc reached the highest 1：97 200, 4 wk after the third immunization. The specific CTL killing with the highest specific lysis reached 73.25% at effector：target ratio of 20：1 in mice that received pSW3891/HBc DNA vaccine. CONCLUSION： pSW3891/HBc vaccination elicits specific anti-HBc response and induces HBc-specific CTL response in immunized Balb/c mice.

Acupuncture enhances anticancer effects of cyclophosphamide on 4T1 tumors via suppression of angiogenesis in BALB/c mice

Objective:Acupuncture is considered an important part of the alternative medical treatment of tumors.However,it is still unclear whether acupuncture has a direct effect on inhibition of tumor growth.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of acupuncture treatment on tumors in BALB/c mice that were or were not administered cyclophosphamide.Methods:A 4T1 breast carcinoma mouse model for this study was established.When the mice developed 5 mm × 5 mm visible subcutaneous tumors,they were subjected to acupuncture and/or cyclophosphamide (CTX) treatment for 15 days.Results:Acupuncture and CTX treatment both reduced the size of the solid tumors.When used in conjunction,the tumor size reduction was even more obvious.Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that acupuncture had a significant effect on induction of tumor cell necrosis and inhibition of angiogenesis.Immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of CD34 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9),which were related to angiogenesis,decreased after treatment with either acupuncture or CTX.However,when the two treatments were used in conjunction,they showed a synergistic effect on inhibiting the expression of CD34.However,the synergistic effect was not observed onMvMP-9 expression.Conclusion:Acupuncture plays an important role in improving the effect of chemotherapy by inhibiting angiogenesis.

Synergetic effect of Egyptian propolis in immunization of BALB/c mice against bovine cysticercosis

Objective: To evaluate the synergetic effect of an ethanolic extract of Egyptian propolis in immunization of BALB/c mice with Taenia saginata(T. saginata) crude antigen against bovine cysticercosis, with reference to its effects on liver and kidney functions.Methods: Sixty female mice BALB/c strain weighing 20 to 25 g and 6-8 weeks old were randomly allocated into six groups of ten mice each. Mice in groups 1 and 2(G1 and G2) were immunized intraperitoneally with 100 μg of T. saginata crude antigen in 100 μL phosphate buffer saline emulsified in Freund's adjuvant. Besides, the mice in G2 were administered with propolis extract simultaneously with immunization. Control mice were either administered with propolis extract(G3) or injected with the same volume of phosphate buffer saline emulsified in Freund's adjuvant(G4). The mice in G5 were non-immunized infected control while, those in G6 were non-immunized non-infected control. Two weeks after the last immunization, each mouse was challenged intraperitoneally with 5 000 oncospheres except those of G6. Ethanolic extract of propolis was prepared at a dose 50 mg/kg body weight.Results: After 24 weeks of challenge, the mice in G2 showed the highest level of protection(100%), with no cyst being detected rather than mice in G1(33.3% protection). Additionally,the ELISA results, in this study, showed higher antibody titer in G2 with reduction the alteration in liver and kidney functions compared to G1.Conclusions: Egyptian propolis could increase the level of protection against experimental challenge infection with T. saginata eggs when administered simultaneously with immunization. Furthermore, it could enhance the production of antibodies to immunized antigen and decrease the alteration in liver and kidney functions.

Antiplasmodial Efficacy of Crude Cocoa Powder Extract on CD4+ T-Cell Counts of <i>Plasmodium berghei</i>Infected BALB/c Mice

Background: Drug resistance in malaria warrants the need for alternative therapy from plant food nutrients. The search for novel anti-malarial control spurred a great interest in cocoa which has been portrayed as immune booster against malaria. This study was geared towards estimation of CD4+ cells of P. berghei infected mice treated with cocoa powder extract (CPE) to provide substantive scientific evidence to authenticate the anecdotal report. Methods: Brine shrimp toxicity assay was done to determine LC50 of crude cocoa powder extract. The mice were infected with 1 × 107 of ANKA and NK65 strains of Plasmodium berghei intraperitoneally, while graded doses of the extract were administered by an intra-gastric intubation based on the body weight of mice. Blood samples were analyzed for microscopy and flow cytometry for CD4+ cell counts. Results: The onset of infection was delayed in the group treated before inoculations on day 3 and the level of P. berghei parasitemia was positively associated with induction of CD4+ cells while the negative control group that received normal saline had progressive increase of parasitemia. The mean survival time could not go beyond day14 in ANKA, though both strains responded to CPE in a similar way with chloroquine as a positive control. The CD4+ cells counted increased in both strains treated before and during inoculations and the episodes of malaria was suppressed compared with the control. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that the antiplasmodial activity of CPE was associated with the level of CD4+ T-cells proliferation which initiated the protective immune response. This therefore calls for efforts to ensure adequate intake of cocoa powder to boost immunity against malaria.

<i>Mycobacterium vaccae</i>Immunization to Pregnant BALB/c Mice Ameliorated Lung Histopathology and Bone Marrow Eosinophila in Ovalbumin Sensitized Offsprings

Context: One of the treatment strategies for atopic diseases is to skew immune response away from Th2 dominance by using Mycobacterial strains. Objective: We wanted to find out whether M. vaccae administration to pregnant mice had any preventive effect on the offsprings in the development of a murine asthma model. Materials and Methods: Pregnant BALB/c mice were divided into two groups;first group received heat-killed M. vaccae subcutaneously on 12th day of pregnancy and the latter group received PBS. After delivery, newborn mice of each group were further divided into two subgroups as M. vaccae/Ovalbumin (OVA), M. vaccae/control, PBS/OVA and PBS/ control. To establish experimental murine asthma model, mice were intraperitoneally sensitized and challenged intratracheally with Ovalbumin. We analysed airway histopathology, bone marrow eosinophil progenitors and splenic cell cytokine profiles of the offsprings. Results: Comparison of offsprings in M. vaccae/OVA group were not different than PBS controls with respect to thicknesses of airway epithelium, basement membrane, subepithelial smooth muscles and number of hyperplasic goblet cells as well as bronchial associated lymphoid tissue density and eosinophil progenitors in the bone marrow. Comparison of M. vaccae/OVA group to asthma model revealed significant differences and lower levels of OVA-induced IL-5. Conclusions: We propose that immunization of pregnant BALB/c with M. vaccae could prevent histopathological alterations in the airways related to the asthma model and down-regulates IL-5 secretion from splenocytes of offsprings.