Conclusions
Fraction B of C. palustris polysaccharides modulated macrophage function and exerted beneficial effects on the clinical course of CIA in mice. The results also suggested efficacy of fraction B was comparable to that of MTX treatment for certain parameters.
Methods
The effects of fractions B and C of C. palustris were explored by evaluating phagocytic activity of peripheral blood granulocytes and monocytes and humoral immune response in sheep red blood cell (SRBC)-immunized mice. The
Results
The results showed that fraction B reduced the level of interleukin (IL)-1β, boosted nitric oxide synthesis in murine peritoneal macrophages stimulated in vitro with lipopolysaccharide and enhanced the monocyte phagocytic activity. Exposure of SRBC-immunized mice to fraction B and MTX during the course of CIA resulted in decreased total anti-SRBC haemagglutinin titres. Interpretation & conclusions: Fraction B of C. palustris polysaccharides modulated macrophage function and exerted beneficial effects on the clinical course of CIA in mice. The results also suggested efficacy of fraction B was comparable to that of MTX treatment for certain parameters.