ABSTRACT
Objective: To study the regulatory effects of Momordica charantia L. saponins on immune function of senile mice. Methods: Female senile Kunming mice (15 months) were divided into senile control group(SC), experiment group 1(E1) and experiment group 2(E2). SC drank tap water, E1 and E2 drank tap water supplemented with 100mg/L and 200mg/L Momordica saponins respectively. After 5 weeks, samples were collected for IL 2, TNF ?, T cell subpopulation, phagocytosis index, thymus and spleen indices. At the same time, splenocyte, peritoneal macrophage, thymocyte obtained from senile mice, were cultured in medium containing 25mg/L and 50mg/L Momordica saponins respectively, and tested for IL 2, TNF ? and apoptosis. Results: There was no change in spleen index, but thymus index increased markedly in E2 group. Phagocytosis index, serum IL 2 level were increased obviously, while there was significant difference between E2 and E1. At the same time, ratio of CD8 + T cell raised significantly in thymus, and ratio CD + 4 CD + 8 T cell declined obviously in both thymus and spleen. Momordica saponins could increase splenocyte to secrete IL 2, enhance peritoneal macrophage to secrete TNF ?, but had no effect on apoptosis of thymocyte. Conclusion: Momordica saponins can improve immune function of senile mice by modulating the ratio of T cell subpopulation.