Effects of five kampohozais on the mitogenic activity of lipopolysaccharide, concanavalin A, phorbol myristate acetate and phytohemagglutinin in vivo.

Mitogenic activity of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), concanavalin A (Con A), phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) were investigated using spleen cells prepared from C57BL/6 mice orally pretreated with one of five kampohozai extracts (Shosaikoto, Daisaikoto, Hochuekkito, Juzendaihoto and Tokishakuyakusan). Shosaikoto and Daisaikoto elevated the mitogenic activity of LPS and reduced those of Con A. The mitogenic activities of PMA and PHA were elevated by low doses of Shosaikoto and Daisaikoto and suppressed by high doses. Juzendaihoto and Tokishakuyakusan showed no effect on the mitogenic activity of LPS and Con A, but increased those of PMA and PHA. Hochuekkito increased the mitogenic activity of LPS, Con A, PMA and PHA. In the absence of mitogens, these five kampohozais showed no mitogenic activity. These results indicate that the kampohozais used in this experiment appear to possess the immunomodulating or immunostimulating activities that might be expected from clinical experiences in Japan and China.