Suppressor Cell Induction and Reticuloendothelial Cell Activation Produced in the Mouse by β 1–3 Glucan

Abstract

The insoluble polysaccharide β 1–3 glucan was shown to be the active component of zymosan for producing hyperplasia and hyperfunction of the reticuloendothelial (RE) system (9). Moreover, it was found to increase the protection against tumor grafts, bacterial and parasitic infections (2,3,7). Most of previous studies on the mechanisms whereby glucan seems to be an immunostimulant were performed after two or several injections of glucan (1,2,3). In order to evaluate the sequence of qualitative changes in RE system, and their reversibility, we used a single injection of glucan. The intravenous (i.v.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) routes were compared in the study of functional changes of T and B lymphocytes and of mononuclear phagocytes.