Effects Of Koumine On The Functions Of Mouse Immunocytes

Koumine is one of the alkaloids isolated and purified from the plant (3elsemium elegans l3enth. The total alkaloids are very toxic , but Koumine exhibits less toxicity. The LD,0 for Koumine in mice by i.v. administration is only one fiftieth of that of the total alkaloids. Moreover, Kouniine makes up the largest proportion of the total alkaloids. In this regard , Kouniine possesses potential applicability. The present study focused on the effect of Koumine on murine immunocytes , including on the proliferation of splenocytes, activity of serum hemolysin and the functions of macrophages etc. The main results are as follows: 1. Koumine inhibits the proliferation of mouse spleen lymphocytes. 2. Koumine suppresses the activity of serum hemolysin in mice in vivo. 3. Koumine slightly attenuates the hemolytic activity mediated by complement. 4. Koumine inhibits the activity and phagocytosis of mouse macrophages, and reduces the production of interleukin-l (IL-i) and NO by the cells in vitro. 5. Koumine decreases [Ca²⁺] in mouse peritoneal macrophages by acting on ryanodine receptor mediated Ca²⁺-induced Ca²⁺ release(CLCR). 6. Kmine lowers [pH j, in mouse peritoneal macrophages. 7. Koumine depresses membrane depolarization on mouse peritoneal macrophages. 8. Koumine can increases the amounts of reactive oxygen species in mouse peritoneal macrophages. In brief, kouniine can inhibit the function of mouse immunocytes in vitro. The mechanism by which Koumine depresses the function may be due to intervention of signal transduction events in macrophages.