Journal of Immunobiology

Existing data suggest that decidual Natural Killer Cells (dNK CD3-CD56brightCD16dim/-) are important in early pregnancy (local response to pathogens, control of trophoblast invasion, uterine vascular remodeling), while in ongoing pregnancy they contribute to the acceptance of the embryo through various immunoregulatory mechanisms. In the so-called alloimmune abortions, CD3-CD56brightCD16dim/-NK cells are decreased in favor of CD3-CD56dimCD16bright NK cells, which are toxic for trophoblast. Most of the activating and inhibitory receptors regulating dNK function belong to the highly polymorphic KIR (Killer Immunoglobulin-like) family. KIRs have as ligands the only HLA molecules expressed on extravillous cytotrophoblast (HLA-C, -E, -G). The interactions of maternal KIR receptors with fetal HLA-C molecules provide an immunogenetic allorecognition system. If inhibitory KIRs recognize their specific ligands, they inhibit dNK activation for trophoblast damage. Otherwise, dNK are allowed to develop anti-trophoblast activity. Given the differences in both the KIR repertoire and the HLA-C allotypes among unrelated individuals, each pregnancy presents a different combination of maternal KIR receptors on dNK and self and non-self HLA-C allotypes on trophoblast. Current studies provide evidence for differences between the combinations arising in successful pregnancies to those found in cases of abortions.

The present study was carried out to assess the effect of ethanolic extract of leaves and seeds of Ocimum canum on the hematological parameters (hemoglobin percentage (Hb%), Red Blood Corpuscles (RBC), White Blood Corpuscles (WBC), Differential Leukocyte Counting (DLC)), free radical load on vital organs (brain, testis, liver and kidney) and lymphoid organs (bone marrow, spleen) of male rat. Chemical characterization of leaves and seeds of O. canum showed the presence of volatile oils, flavonoids, carbohydrates, phytosterols, tannins and fixed oils. An oral dose of extracted leave and seeds with 0.05mg/100g body weight daily was given to the rats for 30 days. The hematological parameter showed significant (*p<0.05) increase in Hb%, R.B.C. and basophil was noted. Whereas a significant decrease in the monocyte and eosinolphil was found after the supplementation by ethanolic extract of leaves and seeds and therefore the impact may be said as cell specific. Supplementation of the extract of leave and seeds resulted in the significant decrease of free radical load expressed in Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in brain. However leaves extract was noted more effective in case of liver, kidney and testis in lowering the free radical load.

The effect of fermented cheese whey on the cells of the immune system and the packed cell volume (PCV) of apparently healthy albino rats (AHARs) was investigated in this study. Twenty four AHARs were grouped into six groups of four rats (A, B, C, D, E, F) and each rat in each group was orogastrically administered different volumes of whey fermented at 30+2OC for 72h as follows: group A; 0.5ml, group B; 1.0ml, group C; 1.5ml, group D; 2.0ml, group E; 2,5ml while the rats in group F were not given whey. The rats in this group (F) served as control. All the rats were fed with basal diet alongside the administered whey except the control group that was given basal diet only. Heamatological assays were carried out using standard methods. The study revealed that the administration of the fermented whey to AHARs caused a significant increase (p<0.05) in packed cell volume (PCV) values, lymphocyte and monocyte counts of the groups fed with whey as compared with control and significant decrease (p<0.05) in the eosinophils count. It is therefore conceivable that the consumption of fermented whey by apparently healthy individuals might boost the cells of the immune system responsible for adaptive immunity, increase their PCV and may also play a role in mediating in cases of allergic reactions as a result of reduction in eosinophil counts.