ABSTRACT
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 Primary Antibody Response and Macrophage Function in Mice Fed Spirulina 206 Mucosal IgA Response in Mice Treated with Spirulina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Effect of Concurrently Ingested SpHW with Antigen Administration . . . . . . . 211 Effect of Protectively Ingested SpHW Before Antigen Administration . . . . . . 211
Distinct Effects of Phycocyanin Ingestion on Secretory IgA and Allergic IgE Antibody Responses in Mice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214 Increase of IgA Antibody Levels in Humans Customarily Ingesting Spirulina 218 Enhancement of Proliferation and Differentiation of Immune Competent Cells by Spirulina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219 Conclusion and Outlook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Immune responses are mediated by a variety of cells and soluble molecules or cytokines that are involved in signaling between cells during immune responses in an autocrine or paracrine manner. Macrophages and T and B lymphocytes play a central role in all immune responses, but other cells in the tissues also participate by signaling to the lymphocytes and by responding to the cytokines such as interleukins (ILs) and interferon γ (IFNγ ) (Figure 10.1). Cell-mediated immunity, originally described as localized reactions to organisms such as intracellular pathogens, is mediated by phagocytes and lymphocytes. Humoral immunity, on the contrary, is mediated by antibodies in the circulating blood and lymph. It is not possible entirely, however, to consider cell-mediated and antibody-mediated responses separately. Although the environment surrounding us contains a great variety of infectious agents as antigens, most infections in normal individuals are short-lived and leave little permanent damage. This is due to the immune system, which combats infectious agents.1,2
Spirulina (Arthrospira)platensis, which is a helicoidal filamentous blue-green alga or cyanobacterium, has a history of being used as food for more than a 1000 years.3,4 It has been commercially produced for almost 30 years as a human food
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supplement, based on the advantages of mass cultivation and easy harvest of the micro alga.5 Nutritional studies have demonstrated that it contains high-quality protein and other nutritional components such as vitamins; minerals; essential fatty acids, including γ -linolenic acid, and β-carotene.6−8 More attention has been given to the study of the therapeutic effects of Spirulina. In addition to reports concerning its effectiveness in reducing hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and high blood pressure in man and animals, an antiviral effect against Herpes simplex has also been reported,9 and some reports have also shown that S. platensis may be beneficial in treating some forms of atopic bronchial asthma and cancer involving immune functions.10 It is therefore of interest from the nutritional and medical points of view to investigate whether S. platensis affects immunological indices.
