[The role of Angelica polysaccharides in inducing effector molecule release by peritoneal macrophages]

Abstract

Aim: To observe the effect of Angelica polysaccharides on effector molecule production by peritoneal macrophages.

Methods: Macrophages were isolated from the peritoneal cavity of BALB/c mice and the primary culture was performed. MTT colorimetry and spectrophotometry were used to examine the effects of Angelica polysaccharides on the releases of effector molecules, such as nitric oxide(NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-alpha), and reactive oxygen species(ROS) as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and lysozyme(LSZ) activity by peritoneal macrophages.

Results: Angelica polysaccharides could promote the releases of NO, TNF-alpha and ROS from macrophages and improved iNOS and LSZ activities in macrophages. However, Angelica polysaccharides had no direct cytotoxicity to tumor cells, but the cultural supernatant of macrophages cocultured with Angelica polysaccharides could kill L929 cells.

Conclusion: Angelica polysaccharides can promote the releases of NO, TNF-alpha and ROS by macrophages. Angelica polysaccharides may indirectly play the role of anti-tumors through increased TNF-alpha production by macrophages.