lactoferrin and Lymphopenia

Cyclophosphamide (CY) is an alkylating agent used in chemotherapy of tumors and autoimmune disorders. The drug causes a large number of side-effects including deep, transient lymphopenia and neutropenia, thus rendering the immune system susceptible to infections. In this review we focus on the effects of CY on the haematopoetic system and the immune response in rodents. In addition, we present approaches aimed at reconstitution of lympho- and myelopoiesis using a spectrum of immunotropic factors including: thymic hormones, cytokines, low-molecular weight compounds, bacterial products and lactoferrin.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Cyclophosphamide; Disease Models, Animal; Hematopoietic System; Immune System; Immunologic Factors; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lactoferrin; Lymphopenia; Mice; Rats

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is used in the treatment of autoimmune disorders and leukemia. The compound induces severe leuko- and neutropenia. Lactoferrin (LF) is a protein which plays a role in the innate immunity. In this study we evaluated the usefulness of LF in reversing CP-induced lympho- and neutropenia in mice.. CBA mice were treated with CP (350 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally) and given LF as a 0.5% addition to drinking water. Alternatively, LF was administered orally (seven doses, 1 mg each) on alternate days following CP injection. Control groups received CP or LF only. Blood samples were taken before treatment and on days 4, 8, 15 and 22 following CP injection to determine leukocytosis and cell types in blood smears.. Mice treated with CP showed severe leukopenia, strong eosinophilia (day 4), and an altered lymphocyte/neutrophil ratio (days 8-22). Treatment of mice with LF for 21 days partially normalized the cell composition in CP-treated mice (increased percentage of lymphocytes and decreased eosinophil content). The content of leukocytes increased upon LF treatment on days 4, 8, 15 and 22 (by 36.8, 39.5, 72 and 70.7%, respectively). More importantly, LF partly normalized the neutrophil and lymphocyte composition on day 22 (neutrophils: 29.2% in control mice, 50.6% in CP-treated, and 39.16% in CP/LF-treated; lymphocytes: 66.18% in control mice, 35% in CP-treated and 48.8% in CP/LF-treated). Administration of LF alone did not change the cell numbers or composition.. LF given orally to CP-immunocompromised mice accelerates reconstitution of lymphopoiesis and myleopoiesis.

Topics: Animals; Body Weight; Cyclophosphamide; Eosinophils; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lactoferrin; Leukocytosis; Lymphocytes; Lymphopenia; Mice; Mice, Inbred CBA; Myelopoiesis; Neutropenia; Neutrophils; Time Factors