Lectin from Tricholoma mongolicum S. Imai (Agaricomycetideae) Mycelia Stimulates Gene Expression of Immunomodulating Cytokines in Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages and Splenocytes

The effects of lectin from the edible mushroom Tricholoma mongolicum on cytokine gene expression were studied. RNA was extracted from splenocytes and peritoneal exudate cells 24 hours after the last of a series of 10 daily intraperitoneal injections (10 μg/mouse/injection), and reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction was employed in the analysis of cytokine gene expression. In peritoneal exudate cells, the level of gene expression of inducible nitric oxide synthetase, interleukin (IL)-1β, and transforming growth factor-β was upregulated by the lectin. In spleen cells, the level of gene expression of inducible IL-1β was upregulated.