Effects of Toosendanin on Pregnancy and Uterine Immunity Alterations in Mice

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Wei Zhong, Research Scientist (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: This study was conducted to explore the abortifacient effect and the mechanisms of the Chinese herbal medicine component toosendanin, and to elucidate the significance of the Th1 cytokines IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the occurrence of abortion. Graded doses of toosendanin were given by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) to mice at day 5, 6, 7 of gestation. The levels of Th1 cytokines (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha) in serum and uterine tissues from mice sacrificed at day 8 were analyzed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Presence of T lymphocytes in endometrium was detected by immunohistochemistry. The results revealed that injection of toosendanin could produce a dose-dependent toxicity. The IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha content in serum and uterine tissues were increased significantly. The CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes were also increased in the endometrium of toosendanin treated groups. In conclusion, toosendanin is pregnancy-toxic to animals and it is relevant to the increased contents of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and CD4+, CD8+ T lymphocytes.

Additional Information

Publication
American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 38(2), 319-328
Language: English
Date: 2010
Keywords
Toosendanin, IFN-?, TNF-a, Pregnancy Toxicity, Phytochemicals, Pharmacodynamics, Medicinal Plants, Toxic Plants

Email this document to