Augmentation of host's immunity by combined cryodestruction of sarcoma 180 and administration of protein-bound polysaccharide, EA6, isolated from Flammulina velutipes (Curt. ex Fr.) Sing. in ICR mice.

Augmentation of the host's immunity by combined in situ freeze-destruction of the tumor (cryosurgery) and administration of the antitumor active protein-bound polysaccharide, EA6, isolated from a hot water extract of an edible mushroom, Flammulina velutipes (Curt. ex Fr.) Sing., was investigated in sarcoma 180 bearing ICR mice. Oral administration (p.o.) of the EA6 stimulated anti-sheep red blood cells (SRBC) IgM antibody-producing activity of the spleen cells, and also delayed hypersensitivity (DTH) against SRBC in swelling of the foot pads of the tumor-bearing hosts. When EA6 p.o. was combined with cryosurgery, further augmentation of IgM-producing activity and DTH reaction to SRBC was recognized as compared with the EA6 single use. But the reticuloendothelial system of the mice, estimated by carbon clearance test, was not activated by EA6 p.o. or combined with cryosurgery.