A cytochemical study of the in vitro interaction between normal and activated mouse peritoneal macrophages and tumor cells

Immunomodulation by propionibacteria

The ability of bacteria and bacterial products to modulate the immune response to unrelated antigens is well documented. Propionibacteria are amongst the most potent immunomodulators stimulating cell populations involved in nonspecific resistance. Generally, the activated immune system provides protection from infectious pathogens and malignancies via mechanisms of recognition and elimination. Accordingly, administration of propionibacteria could be shown to be of benefit in the treatment of neoplastic and infectious diseases. Thus, it can be recommended for further clinical investigations.

Studies on a biological response modifying LYSAT from Propionibacterium avidum KP 40

Propionibacterium avidum KP 40 cells were mechanically disintegrated in order to obtain the soluble immunostimulatory (antineoplastic) LYSAT. Chemiluminescence measurements of human leukocyte function yielded enhanced activation of the cells after incubation with 2.5 and 5 mg of LYSAT. As compared to non-treated controls, administration of LYSAT to BALB/c-mice (1, 2.5 and 5 mg; intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, intranasal; 7, 4 and 2 days prior to challenge) induced a significant enlargement of the spleen as well as significantly reduced sarcoma L-1 lung colonization 14 days after challenge and evidently enhanced chemiluminescence response of peritoneal macrophages.

Combined immunostimulation (Propionibacterium avidum KP 40) and anticoagulation (heparin) prevents metastatic lung and liver colonization in mice

The antineoplastic activity of Propionibacterium avidum KP-40 and its enhancement by anticoagulation with heparin was studied. In Balb/c mice syngeneic sarcoma L-1 exclusively caused tumor colonization of the lungs. After neuraminidase treatment the organotropism of this tumor was changed, with tumor nodules developing in lung and liver. After single systemic application of Propionibacterium avidum KP-40 the number of lung and liver colonies decreased evidently. Combination of this immunomodulating therapy with temporary anticoagulation resulted in further reduction of tumor colonies in lung and liver.

Mononuclear and multinuclear macrophages in filarial infections

Filarial infections commonly involve chronic tissue responses to these complex and resiliant organisms. These responses, which occur with a number of the parasitic stages of filariae, involve macrophages, and these cells appear to be important in immunologically induced destruction and removal of these important parasites of man and animals. Details of their presence and experimental induction as well as their distinction into a number of morphological types, including multinuclear (giant cell) forms, is described in this communication. The ability of these various forms to function in phagocytic and immunologically mediated adherence assays is also described.