Immunomodulatory effect of some naturally occuring sulphur-containing compounds

The immunomodulatory effects of naturally occuring sulphur compounds such as diallyl sulphide (DAS), diallyl disulphide (DADS) and allyl methyl sulphide (AMS) were studied in BALB/c mice. After treatment with five doses (20 mg/dose) of sulphur-containing compounds, the total white blood cell (WBC) count was enhanced significantly in mice. Among the sulphur compounds studied, DADS showed the maximum number of WBC (17 900 cells/mm(3)) on the 6th day, and highest antibody titre of 516 on the 12th day. Administration of DAS and DADS enhanced the weight of vital organs such as the spleen and thymus. DADS, AMS, and DAS administration could enhance the number of plaque forming cells (PFC) in the spleen of the animals. Maximum numbers of PFC (1409 PFC/10(6) spleen cells) were observed in DADS-treated animals. Bone-marrow cellularity was also increased significantly (P < 0.001) in DADS (19.3 x 10(6) cells/femur) and AMS (24.7 x 10(6) cells/femur) treated animals. The number of a-esterase positive cells was enhanced in DALS (1315/4000 cells), DADS (1748/4000 cells), and AMS (1648/4000 cells) treated animals, compared to normal animals (1065/4000 cells). These results are suggestive of an immunostimulating effect of sulphur compounds. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.