RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To study the immunomodulatory effects of the polysaccharide Cistanche Deserticola Y C Ma (CDPS) and its mechanism. METHODS: The immunomodulatory function of CDPS was studied in vitro by observing the proliferation of murine thymus lymphocytes, which was measured with MTT method. The effects of CDPS on cell cycle and thymus intracellular calcium delivering were studied with FACScan flow cytometer. RESULTS: The inhibition function of ISO and DEX and high concentration of TNFgamma on lymphocyte proliferation was decreased with CDPS at higher concentration. It could stimulate the division of thymus lymphocyte and promote thymus intracellular calcium delivering. CONCLUSION: The enhancing effect of CDPS on murine thymus lymphocyte proliferation is related to its promotion on thymus intracellular calcium delivering.