[Effect of bushen huayu composite on secretion of lymphocytic interleukin-2 and interleukin-2 receptor expression in the aged].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Bushen Huayu Composite (BSHY) on interleukin-2 (IL-2) secretion and IL-2 receptor expression in the aged. METHODS: IL-2 was examined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method and IL-2 dependent cellular stains, IL-2 receptor expression was examined by FACS-indirect immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Aging could result in the decrease in lymphocytic IL-2 secretion and IL-2 receptor expression (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), which could be improved by BSHY (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: BSHY has significant up-regulatory effect on immune function of lymphocytes in the aged.