Immunomodulatory activity of Minthostachys verticillata: its effects on the release of β-hexosaminidase and IFN-γ

CARIDDI LN; GAMBERO ML; PANERO A; SABINI LI; MALDONADO AM

Congreso; VII Latin American Congress of Immunology; 2005

Minthostachys verticiliata known as ?peperina. is used in infusions as a bronchial dilating agent, among others. Their essential oil (EO) and decoction (D) have mitogenic properties as PHA and PWM. Objectives were to investigate the B-hexosaminidase (B-h) released in front of allergens and to evaluate inhibition index by D, EO and two anti-allergic drug. Too to compare mitogenic properties of ConA, D and EO on lymphocytes and to measure IFN-G levels in supernatants of cultures. CelIs from 30 allergic patients were studied. To evaluate the inhibitory effect of D and EO oyer basophils degranulation, the B-h release assay was performed. To determine the mitogenic effect of D and EO on human lymphocytes, MTT assay was used. IFN-G was quantified using Hu- IFN-G ELISA kit. D and EO inhibited B-h release from basophils in vitro with effects similar to dexamethasone or theophylline (p=ns). The lymphocytes stimulated with D and EO showed proliferation indexes comparable to Con A. The IFN-G level of cultures stimulated by D and EO was significantly higher than that of non stimulated cultures (p< 0,02). D and EO demonstrated anti-infIammatory effects inhibiting B-h release in vitro. D and EO had mitogenic effects on human lymphocytes and increased IFN-G synthesis from allergic patients? cells. A therapy using non-toxic vegetal derivates would have a favorable application for the treatment at of allergic disease.