Modulation of murine anti-SRBC response by carrageenan: possible mechanism.

Carrageenan (CGN), a sulphated polygalactant extracted from red algae, induced antigen-specific suppression of secondary antibody response to SRBC. Unlike the previous studies reported in the literature, in the present study no significant difference could be observed in the number of either total or adherent cells in the peritoneal cavity of CGN treated animals when compared to the untreated controls. However, upon immunization with SRBC, the number of IA and IE positive cells of the treated animals was significantly reduced as compared to the untreated controls. From these results, the possible mechanism in the modulation of immune response by CGN is discussed in the present study.