The Immunomodulatory Effect of Yeast Glucan on Delayed Hypersensitivity

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The effect of yeast .beta.-1,3-glucan as an immunopotentiator of delayed type-hypersensitivity reactions (DHR) was studied. Delayed-type-hypersensitivity reactions in mice sensitized with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and pretreated 3 days previously with glucan given IP were significantly increased. Mice sensitized IP with SRBC 3 days after the s.c. administration of glucan showed depressed DHR. Glucan given at the same site but not at distance strongly potentiated the DHR induced by s.c. sensitization with SRBC. S.c. injection of glucan and SRBC given together also resulted in a sustained DHR which persisted 12 days after sensitization when DHR of control mice had waned.