The effect of ubiquinone-7 and its metabolites on the immune response. III. The effect on the immune response to sheep erythrocytes and DNP-Lys-Ficoll in mice.

The effects of Q acid-11, Q-7 and vitamin A palmitate on humoral immune response to two different types of antigens were examined. Particulate T-dependent antigen (SRBC) and T-independent antigen (DNP-Lys-Ficoll) were used to study the mode of action on immune system. Sodium-salt of Q acid-II (Q acid-11 Na) in the form of saline solution or water-in-oil emulsion showed suppressive effect on the direct and indirect PFC responses when administered simultaneously with SRBC. The suppressive effect of Q acid-II Na, however, was not observed when Q acid-II Na was administered two days before immunization. When Q acid-II Na was administered one day after immunization, the suppressive effect of Q acid-II Na was diminished and the level of PFC response was nearly equal to that of the control group. On the other hand, Q acid-II Na, Q-7 and vitamin A palmitate markedly enhanced the immune response to DNP-Lys-Ficoll (T-independent antigen). From the comparison of these humoral immune response, their modes of action are discussed.