Proliferative Activity Of Splenocytes Research Articles

The use of xenogenic testicular antigens for induction of antitumor reactions

Testicular antigens (TAGs) are normally expressed only by cells of testicular and placental tissues. Human immune system is tolerant to TAG, but if the integrity of the testicular membranes is disrupted, these antigens, entering the bloodstream, induce autoimmune reactions for eliminating them from the body. In malignancy, TAGs begin to be expressed by tumor cells of the liver, breast, pancreas, intestine, and lung. Immunological recognition of these AGs leads to autoimmune reactions against these AGs, i.e. antitumor reactions in the body. We used xenogenic TAGs derived from ram testis to increase TAG immunogenicity. The use of ram TAGs is justified by the fact that TAGs are evolutionarily conserved molecules and there is a high degree of homology between human and animal TAGs.The purpose of the study was to evaluate the lifespan of tumor-bearing mice and parameters of cellular immunity in various options for immunizing mice with ram TAGs.Material and Methods. C57BL/6 mice were used. The efficacy of therapeutic or prophylactic vaccination with xenogenic TAGs was studied by changing lifespan of B16 and LLC tumor-bearing mice. Formation of immune responses was evaluated by proliferative ability of splenocytes to respond to vaccination and control AGs and by their production of IFN-gamma and IL-10.Results. In the LLC carcinoma model with a preventive vaccination option, the lifespan of mice with syngeneic vaccination did not differ from the tumor control; the lifespan of mice with xenogeneic vaccination increased by 60%. In therapeutic vaccination option, no significant differences in lifespan of vaccinated mice were found. A significant increase in the proliferative activity of splenocytes in response to tumor AGs was found in both LLC- and B16 tumor-bearing mice previously vaccinated with xenogenic TAGs. The increased IFN-gamma production by splenocytes was observed in B16 and LLC tumorbearing mice with xenogeneic vaccination. The IFN-gamma production by splenocytes in tumor-bearing mice with syngeneic vaccination was not increased. A significant decrease in IL-10 production was noted in mice with xenogeneic vaccination.

<i>Lactobacillus johnsonii</i> modulation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells generated from mice with null mutation of the Muc2 gene

The gut is inhabited by a trillion bacteria that produce up to 60% of the host’s metabolites. The gut microbiome plays an important role in regulating host immune function. A lot of research concerned the effect of probiotic on the pathologies associated not only with dysbiosis and metabolic disorders, but there is breakthrough in the treatment of inflammation, oncology and neurodegenerative disorders. Animals with mutation of the genes leading to pathology used to assay probiotic effect. To understand direct action of probiotics, cells derived from control mice or cell culture of tumor genesis in vitro studies are used. However, there is little research of the probiotic effect on cells derived from mice with pathology. In this study, we assessed the phenotypes of dendric cells derived from Muc2-/- mice with chronic inflammation and assessed the effect of L. johnsonii on the dendric cells. It is known that the key features of IBD models are thinning of mucin layer and changes in the intestinal microbiome. We compared the efficiency of maturation and activation of dendric cells derived from the bone marrow of Muc2-/- mice and dendric cells obtained from healthy C57BL/6 mice free from specific species pathogens. We evaluated the expression of co-stimulatory molecules, the proliferative index, and the ability to trigger the T regulatory response of dendric cells, which were stimulated with the probiotic L. johnsonii. Markers of dendritic and T cells were assessed by flow cytometry using antibodies to extra- and intracellular proteins. The proliferative activity of splenocytes was assessed using the WST test. It was shown that dendric cells derived from the Muc2-/- had an immature phenotype. Dendric cells of Muc2-/- mice could not effectively stimulate the proliferation of allogeneic and syngeneic T cells. L. johnsonii was able not only to stimulate the maturation of dendric cells derived from Muc2-/- mice, but also to increase the expression of FoxP3 on CD25+ T cell that were co-cultured with DCs. Thus, we believe that this probiotic bacterium can reduce signs of inflammation and reduce pathological processes in animals of an experimental model of IBD in vivo.

Use of sodium polyprenylphosphate to correct changes in the immune response caused by Helicobacter pylori CagA proteins in the experiment

Helicobacter pylori (HP) bacteria have a wide range of pathogenicity factors. The HP genome contains genes of the CagA group (cytotoxin-associated genes). Infection with CagA-positive HP strains is associated with the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are involved in the maintenance and development of destructive and inflammatory changes in the organism. Here we studied the role of CagA proteins in the regulation of the immune response in DBA mice and evaluated the corrective effect of polyprenyl phosphate (PP) on this process. Genetically modified strains of E. coli were used, differing by the presence of an island of genes encoding the synthesis of HP CagA proteins. The drug Phosprenyl was used as a source of PP. The subpopulation composition of spleen cells was evaluated by flow cytofluorimetry using monoclonal antibodies. The level of IL 10, TGF-β in blood serum was determined by the enzyme immunoassay. The proliferative activity of splenocytes was measured by the standard procedure based on the inclusion of 3 H-thymidine in the DNA. CagA HP proteins caused the polarization of the immune response by the Th1-dominant type, which was expressed by an increase in the population of CD4 + cells, CD25 + and CD25 + Foxp3 + T cells and increase proliferation T- limphocytes. Inoculation of CagA + bacteria was accompanied by a quantitative increase in TGF-β produced by activated Treg cells. PP inoculation led to the normalization of the CD4 and CD8 T cells, a decrease in the populations of CD25 + , Foxp3 + , CD25 + Foxp3 + cells, and further increase in the IL-10 levels. Thus, PP corrected cellular immune response, prevented the pronounced polarization of the Th1 immune response, and reduced the activation of Treg population. The results obtained indicate a possible decrease in the pro-inflammatory immune response under the influence of PP.

Essential Oil of Citrus sudachi Suppresses T Cell Activation Both In Vitro and In Vivo.

The essential oil of Citrus sudachi (sudachi oil) is extracted from the peel of sudachi, a citrus plant. We investigated the effect of sudachi oil on immune function in both in vitro antigen (Ag) induced lymphocyte activation and in vivo Ag-specific immune response. In the in vitro study, the proliferative activity of splenocytes upon Ag-specific and non-specific stimulation was suppressed by treatment with sudachi oil in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the expression level of Ag-presentation-related molecules and their Ag-presenting function on dendritic cells were suppressed by sudachi oil. To examine how sudachi oil regulates an Ag-specific immune response in vivo, mice were immunized with ovalbumin and the immune response of the mice was investigated. Ag-specific proliferation response of splenocytes from mice treated with sudachi essential oil was significantly suppressed. The results indicate that sudachi oil suppresses T cell and dendritic cell functions in vitro and Ag-specific T cell induction in vivo.

Red Ginseng Extract and γ-Aminobutyric Acid Synergistically Enhance Immunity Against Cancer Cells and Antitumor Metastasis Activity in Mice.

The effects of combined administration of red ginseng (RG) extracts and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on immunostimulatory activity and tumor metastasis inhibition were investigated in mice. For the immunostimulatory activity, splenocyte proliferation, natural killer (NK) cell activity, including the production of granzyme B (GrB) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and serum level of cytokine such as IFN-γ, interleukin (IL)-17, and IL-21 were assessed. Peyer's patch cells obtained from mice administered with RG+GABA were cultured, and the cytokine level in the culture supernatant and bone marrow (BM) cell proliferation activity were examined. The proliferative activity of splenocytes was significantly higher in the RG-GABA treatment group than in RG or GABA alone (P < .05). In the experimental tumor metastasis model, oral administration of RG+GABA showed a higher antitumor metastatic effect compared to that of RG or GABA alone. Oral administration of RG+GABA significantly augmented NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against YAC-1 tumor cells. In addition, the production of GrB and IFN-γ was stimulated in the culture supernatant of NK cells and YAC-1 cells. Serum concentrations of IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-21 in mice with RG+GABA were significantly higher compared to the corresponding blood levels in mice administered with RG or GABA alone. The RG+GABA group showed significant BM cell proliferation and increased production of IL-6 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor compared to that in the monotherapy groups. Therefore, RG may have a synergistic effect with GABA for enhancing the host defense system such as BM proliferation and NK cell activity in a tumor metastasis model.

In vitro Anticancer Activity of the Polar Fraction From the Lophocereus schottii Ethanolic Extract.

Cancer is an increasingly common disease and is considered one of the main causes of death in the world. Lophocereus schottii (L. schottii) is a cactus used in Mexico in traditional medicine for cancer treatment. This study aimed to determine the effect of the ethanolic extract and the polar and nonpolar fractions of L. schottii in murine L5178Y lymphoma cells in vitro, analyzing their effect on the proliferative activity of splenocytes, and establishing the effective concentration 50 (EC50) of the polar fraction. In addition, the secondary metabolites present in the extracts were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). The study establishes that the three extracts of L. schottii have a cytotoxic effect on L5178Y cells and on the splenocytes stimulated with ConA. Additionally, the polar fraction has a significantly greater effect being three times more effective than cyclophosphamide on inhibiting the viability of L5178Y cells. Secondary metabolites present are mainly flavonoids and alkaloids, but there are also some terpenoids and sterols. Ultimately, polar fraction can be considered an anticancer substance, since its EC50 of 15 μg/mL is within the parameters established by the National Cancer Institute.

Immune Response of Mice Against Babesia canis Antigens is Enhanced When Antigen is Coupled to Gold Nanoparticles.

The aim of this study was to isolate Babesia canis soluble antigens and to investigate the effect of their conjugates with gold nanoparticles on the immunogenicity in laboratory animals. A procedure was developed for isolating and purifying B. canis antigens. The isolated culture antigen of B. canis 495 was coupled to gold nanoparticles, and the conjugate was used to immunize laboratory mice. Western blotting showed that the resultant antiserum specifically recognized the proteins of the B. canis strains isolated from naturally infected dogs. The antibody titer, the respiratory activity of peritoneal macrophages, the proliferative activity of splenocytes, and the production of cytokines were maximal when the animals were immunized with the antigen-nanoparticle conjugate emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant. Without adjuvant, the babesial antigen was weakly immunogenic. Therefore, the use of gold nanoparticles as an antigen carrier induced a broad immune response involving both cellular and humoral responses. The antibodies raised by the proposed procedure are potentially effective at immunodetection of Babesia canis infections in dogs.

FEATURES OF IMMUNE SYSTEM DISORDERS IN EXPERIMENTAL BRAIN TRAUMA IN RATS

Introduction. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the common diseases of the person, which is accompanied by high mortality and disability of the victims. In the pathogenesis of TBI there are at least 2 periods that are associated with both primary nerve cell injury by the traumatic factor and secondary inflammatory-destructive changes that develop over a long period after the injury. An important role in the development of the second period of TBI is played by the body’s immune system, which can complicate the course of TBI and act differently depending on the severity of the injury.&#x0D; The goal of the work. The work investigated the state of proliferative and cytotoxic ability of splenocytes in light TBI in rats, which was caused by a drop in weight of 50 g from a height of 120 cm per animal.&#x0D; Materials and results. Studies have shown that within 24 hours after injury, there is an increase in the proliferative activity of splenocytes in the test for proliferation with mitogens, especially with KonA mitogen. While the cytotoxic activity of splenocytes is significantly inhibited at this time and the number of hyperdiploid cells in the spleen is reduced. At a later date after the injury, for 5 days, there is a significant recovery of immunological parameters, indicating that from the first hours after a mild TBI, the immune system changes in different directions, mainly towards the activation of proliferation, which may complicate the course the traumatic period.&#x0D; Conclusions. In experimental mild TBI, rats have differentiated changes in the activity of immune cells, which indicate the activation of the immune system in the early stages after injury.

ПРИГНІЧЕННЯ ФОРМУВАННЯ ШЛУНКОВИХ ВИРАЗОК ПРИ ІМОБІЛІЗАЦІЙНОМУ ВОДОІМЕРСІЙНОМУ СТРЕСІ ПОПЕРЕДНЬОЮ ТРАНСПЛАНТАЦІЄЮ МУЛЬТИПОТЕНТНИХ СТРОМАЛЬНИХ КЛІТИН

To investigate the effect of pre-transplantation of multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) of bone marrow on gastric ulcer formation and the state of the immune system in conditions of acute and prolonged stress. Wistar rats reproduced immobilizing water-immersion stress of 2 types: acute and prolonged. Investigated the number and area of stress ulcers, thymus and spleen, as well as hematologic parameters, proliferative and cytotoxic activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, splenocytes and cells of lymph nodes, determined the absorption activity of neutrophils. With prolonged stress as a result of MSC transplantation, the number and area of ulcers significantly decreased, indicating the adaptive protective effect of cells. With acute stress, the introduction of MSC had virtually no effect on ulcer formation. With prolonged stress, there was a decrease in thymus, spleen and leukocyte counts in the blood. Under the influence of transplanted MSCs, the number of all mobilized cells was normalized with the exception of lymphocytes. The natural cytotoxicity and proliferative activity of splenocytes, cells of lymph nodes and peripheral blood in acute and prolonged stress as a result of the introduction of MSC did not change significantly. The introduction of bone marrow MSС 24 h before the last reproduction of stress responses in the model of prolonged stress significantly reduced the number and area of ulcers, which generally indicates the anti-ulcer effect of cells, and normalized the stress-induced quantitative cellular changes in the immune system. Transplantation of bone marrow MSCs to rats prior to reproduction of stress enhances the adaptive antistress mechanisms that develop during prolonged stress, leading to suppression of gastric ulcer formation and significantly altering immune system activity. It can be assumed that one of the mechanisms of action on the body of MSCs is to promote the formation of adaptive responses.

CORRECTION OF DISTURBED NEUROIMMUNE INTERACTIONS IN EXPERIMENTAL TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY BY MEANS OF RECOMBINANT INTERLEUKIN 2

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) commonly proceeds as a severe disease with high morbidity that can lead to neurological disorders in some of these patients. TBI is associated by multidirectional abnormalities of immune system, which affect quantity and functions of T-, B-, and NK-lymphocytes leading to infectious complications or autosensibilization. Restoration of the disturbances in neuroimmune interactions after TBI may be achieved by means of immunomodulators that have neuroprotective properties and may potentially initiate regenerative CNS activity. IL-2 is a cytokine that possesses neurooperative and neuroprotective properties. In immune system, IL-2 is produced by T-cells in response to antigen stimuli; in CNS, by brain cells. Lack of IL-2 production by both T-lymphocytes and brain cells increases a possibility of autoimmune and inflammatory pathologies. The objective of present study was to evaluate possible effects of human recombinant IL-2 (rIL-2, Roncoleukin®, Biothech Ltd., Russia) upon state and correction of immune and neuro-endocrine TBI consequences. The study was performed in adult Wistar rats. Mechanical TBI was produced by the dropping load model. 72 hours after inflicting the TBI, r-IL-2, at dose 30 mg/kg was injected once a day for three times. The animals from control group received 0.15M NaCl solution over the same period. The results have shown that, within first hours and days after TBI, corticosterone levels showed a sharp increase, whereas testosterone concentrations were decreased.In parallel, an increase in cytotoxic and proliferative activity of splenocytes was revealed, as well as increased number of splenocytes at their late apoptotic stage. Three daily injections of rIL-2 resulted into a significant increase in corticosterone and testosterone levels in injured animals on the day 7 after TBI. The animals treated with rIL-2 have exhibited more rapid normalization of cytotoxic and proliferative activity of splenocytes and return to normal ratio of proliferating splenocytes vs. apoptotic cells. Therefore, usage of rIL-2 may correct neuro-endocrine and immune interaction disturbances after TBI and decrease risk of chronic neurological disorders in TBI patients.

Inhibitory effect of antidepressant drugs on contact hypersensitivity reaction is connected with their suppressive effect on NKT and CD8+ T cells but not on TCR delta T cells

BackgroundContact hypersensitivity (CHS) reaction induced by a topical application of hapten is a cell-mediated antigen-specific type of skin inflammation mediated by interaction of several subtypes of T cell subpopulations. Recently, it has been shown that antidepressant drugs inhibit CHS reaction, although the mechanism of this effect remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 2-week desipramine or fluoxetine administration on the CHS reaction induced by picryl chloride (PCL) application in B10.PL mice and in knock-out mice established on B10.PL background: TCRδ−/− mice lacking TCRγδ T lymphocytes; β2m−/− mice lacking CD8+ T lymphocytes and CD1d−/− mice lacking CD1d dependent natural killer T (NKT) lymphocytes. MethodsB10.PL, TCRδ−/−, β2m−/− and CD1d−/− mice were divided into six groups: 1) vehicle-treated negative control group; 2) desipramine-treated negative control group; 3) fluoxetine-treated negative control group; 4) vehicle and PCL-treated group (positive control group); 5) desipramine and PCL-treated group; and 6) fluoxetine and PCL-treated group. CHS to PCL was tested by evaluation of ear swelling. Metabolic activity of spleen and lymph node cells were estimated by MTT test. ResultsThe antidepressants significantly suppressed the CHS reaction in B10.PL mice: desipramine by 55% and fluoxetine by 42% compared to the positive control. This effect was even stronger in TCRδ−/− mice, in which fluoxetine reduced the ear swelling by 73% in comparison with the vehicle-treated positive control group. On the other hand, desipramine and fluoxetine did not inhibit CHS reaction in β2m−/− and CD1d−/− mice. Moreover, PCL increased metabolic and/or proliferative activity of splenocytes in all four strains of mice whereas the antidepressants decreased this activity of splenocytes in B10.PL, TCRδ−/− and CD1d−/− mice. ConclusionThe results of the present study show that lack of CD8+ T cells or NKT cells abolishes the immunosuppressive effect of antidepressant drugs on PCL-induced CHS reaction in mice. These results suggest that antidepressant drug-induced inhibition of CHS reaction is connected with their inhibitory effect on ability of CD8+ T cells and NKT cells to induce and/or escalate CHS reaction. TCRγδ cells seem not to be involved in antidepressant-induced suppression of CHS.

A new animal model of (chronic) depression induced by repeated and intermittent lipopolysaccharide administration for 4months

Chronic activation of immune-inflammatory and oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS) pathways plays an important role in the pathophysiology of clinical depression. Increased IgA responses directed against LPS of gram-negative bacteria, indicating increased bacterial translocation, may be one of the drivers underpinning these pathways. There is a strong association between signs of bacterial translocation and chronicity of depression and O&NS, but not pro-inflammatory cytokines. The aims of the present study were to: (1) develop a new neurobehavioral model of (chronic) depression (anhedonic behavior) that may reflect chronic LPS stimulation and is associated with increased oxidative stress, and (2) to delineate the effects of fluoxetine on this new depression model. We established that in female mice repeated LPS injections once daily for 5 days (from 750 μg/kg to a maximal dose 1250 μg/kg; increasing doses for the first three days which were then gradually decreased on day 4 and 5) at a one-month interval and this repeated for 4 consecutive months induced chronic anhedonia (estimated by the preference to drink a 1% sucrose) lasting for at least 7 weeks. Chronic LPS administration significantly decreased thymus weight, proliferative activity of splenocytes, production of interferon (IFN)γ and interleukin-(IL)10, and increased superoxide and corticosterone production. Treatment with fluoxetine for 3 weeks abolished the neurobehavioral effects of LPS. The antidepressant effect of fluoxetine was accompanied by increased production of IL-10 and reduced superoxide and corticosterone production. Our results suggest that repeated intermittent LPS injections to female mice may be a useful model of chronic depression and in particular for the depressogenic effects of long standing activation of the toll-like receptor IV complex.

β-Endorphin Effects on Antibody Production, Proliferation, and Secretion of Th1/Th2 Cytokines In Vivo

Intraperitoneal injection of β-endorphin in doses of 1, 0.01, and 0.0005 μg/kg under conditions of systemic immunization increased the count of antibody-producing cells in the spleen and the titer of anti-erythrocyte antibodies in the plasma of experimental animals. Intraperitoneal β-endorphin stimulated proliferative activity of splenocytes in mice in the presence of both B- and T-cell mitogen, did not change the production of IFN-γ, reduced the level of IL-2, and stimulated the secretion of IL-4, the main Th2-polarizing factor.

Immunosuppression Induced by a Conditioned Stimulus Associated With Cocaine Self-Administration

Cocaine addiction is known to impair immune system function, but the effects of repeated treatment with cocaine in a self-administration model, its withdrawal as well as reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior on cell-mediated immunity are not well known. Cocaine self-administered for 18 days induced a significant increase in spleen weight, plasma corticosterone levels, interleukin (IL)-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α production, while concanavalin A–stimulated proliferation responses of peripheral blood T-lymphocytes and interferon-γ production by splenic lymphocytes were not altered. After 10 days withdrawal from cocaine, reinstatement of cocaine seeking behavior induced either by a priming dose of the drug (unconditioned stimulus), by cue previously associated with cocaine self-administration (conditioned stimuli), or by both these stimuli evoked similar changes in several immunological parameters, for example, a decrease in relative spleen weight, proliferative activity of splenocytes, and their ability to produce IL-10. The results showed that the cue previously associated with cocaine suppressed some parameters of cell-mediated immunity to the same degree as reexposure to cocaine. The present study provides the first evidence that alterations of immune status can be conditioned by environmental stimuli paired with cocaine administration.

Immunopharmacological properties of noopept

Noopept, a peptide analog of piracetam, enhanced phagocytic activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages, stimulated humoral and cellular immune response to various antigens, and markedly increased spontaneous proliferative activity of splenocytes. In animals with secondary immune deficiency caused by cyclophosphamide, noopept exhibited immunocorrector properties.

Effect of acute and repeated treatment with mirtazapine on the immunity of noradrenaline transporter knockout C57BL/6J mice

Pathological immunoactivation is thought to play an important role in the etiology of depression; however, the effect of novel antidepressant drugs on immunity has been poorly recognized. Mirtazapine, an antidepressant drug, enhances noradrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmissions, which are crucially involved in the regulation of immune system activity. In the present study we examined the effect of acute and seven-day repeated administration of mirtazapine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) on immunoreactivity in noradrenaline transporter knockout (NET-KO) and wild-type male C57BL/6J mice subjected to the forced swimming test (FST). Mirtazapine decreased immobility time in the FST after acute, but not seven-day repeated, administration to C57BL/6J mice. Lack of the antidepressant effect of mirtazapine was observed, after acute and repeated administration to NET-KO mice, although those mice showed a significantly shorter immobility time in the FST than did wild-type animals. Seven-day repeated mirtazapine administration to wild-type mice suppressed the proliferative activity of splenocytes and their ability to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, whereas production of IL-4 was stimulated. Acute mirtazapine administration did not change immune parameters in C57BL/6J mice. In NET-KO mice, acute and seven-day repeated mirtazapine administration reduced the proliferative activity of splenocytes and their ability to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study indicates that, in comparison with wild-type C57BL/6J mice, NET-KO mice show enhanced mobility, which is not further potentiated by mirtazapine treatment. Furthermore, the NET-KO mice display higher susceptibility to the immunosuppressive effects of mirtazapine than do the wild-type animals. The present paper postulates an essential role of noradrenergic system in the immunological and behavioral effects of mirtazapine.

Effects of PRI-2191—A low-calcemic analog of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 on the seizure-induced changes in brain gene expression and immune system activity in the rat

Apart from the essential role of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, this compound and its analogs are involved in regulating the functions of the central nervous and immune systems. Active forms of vitamin D 3 have been reported to stimulate neurotrophin gene expression and to prevent neuronal damage against a variety of insults. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of PRI-2191—a low-calcemic analog of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (50 ng/kg i.p., once daily for 8 days) on seizure-related neuronal degeneration, changes in some brain gene expression and immune system activity. Seizures were induced by pilocarpine (400 mg/kg; i.p.) administration. An in situ hybridization study showed that the pilocarpine-induced seizures led to time-dependent changes in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70) and prepro-thyreoliberin (prepro-TRH) gene expression in several cortical and hippocampal regions. The maximal induction of gene expression was 3 h for BDNF and 24 h for HSP-70 and prepro-TRH; however, only in the case of prepro-TRH that effect was long-lasting. PRI-2191 alone had no effect on gene expression, but it enhanced the seizure-evoked expression of HSP-70, had an opposite effect on BDNF mRNA level and did not affect prepro-TRH mRNA level. Moreover, PRI-2191 had a moderate inhibitory effect on the seizure-related hippocampal damage in the CA1 field only. An immunological study revealed that PRI-2191 reversed the seizure-induced decrease in the proliferative activity of splenocytes and their ability to produce interferon-γ. Summing up, the present study demonstrated that subchronic administration of PRI-2191 significantly modulated the seizure-related changes in both the brain and the peripheral immune system of rats.