Chelerythrine delayed tumor growth and increased survival duration of Dalton's lymphoma bearing BALB/c H(2d) mice by activation of NK cells in vivo.

Abstract

The aims of the present investigation were to evaluate the antitumor effect of chelerythrine (CHE) on in vivo growth and survival duration of BALB/c (H2d) mice bearing Dalton's lymphoma (DL) and enhanced function of tumor associated NK cells (TANK cells). BALB/c (H2d) mice at 8-10 weeks of age of either sex were used. Increasing concentration of CHE (1.25, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/kg), staurosporine (0.625, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide (25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally and tumor regression and survival duration of tumor bearing host were determined, and thereafter expression of NKG2D and NKG2A on TANK cells were detected. Our results show that treatment with 2.5 mg/kg of CHE results in a significant reduction in mean tumor volume and increased survival duration of DL bearing BALB/c (H2d) mice when compared to control. Activating receptor NKG2D on TANK cells were observed upregulated in contrast to inhibitory receptor NKG2A. CHE reduced mean tumor volume and increased survival duration of DL bearing BALB/c (H2d) mice. Increased expression of activating receptor NKG2D on TANK cells results in recovery of immunosuppression during tumor progression. Therefore, CHE could be a potential anticancer therapeutic agent that may be used to replace chemo-radio-therapy in future.