Abstract: Objective To investigate the immunoregulation effect of Proantho Cyanidins (PC) and its effect on the expressions of TNF-α and IL-10 in immunosuppression mice. Methods Forty institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group, cyclophosphamide (Cy) model group, PC high-dose (100 mg/kg) group and PC low-dose (80 mg/kg) group. After 7 days, the thymus and spleen index, the content of serum hemolysin and the delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) were analyzed. The expressions of TNF - α and IL-10 in peripheral blood were detected by ELISA. RT- qPCR was used to detect the changes of TNF-α and IL-10 mRNA expressions in mouse spleen cells. Results The application of procyanidins increased the thoracic spleen index, the serum hemolysin level and the level of delayed type hypersensitivity in mice. The level of IL-10 was decreased, and the level of TNF-α was increased in procyanidin group. The mRNA expression of TNF-α in spleen cells was increased, and the expression of IL-10 mRNA was decreased. Conclusion Procyanidins could improve the immune function, which is likely to be accomplished through the regulation of the cytokines TNF-α and IL-10.

Key words: anthocyanins, cyclophosphamide, interleukin-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, mice, inbred ICR