Immunomodulatory effect of Polypodium leucotomos (Anapsos) in child palatine tonsil model.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent tonsillitis might reduce the immunological capability of fighting against the infection of tonsil tissue. Polypodium leucotomos (Anapsos) immunomodulating effect has been subject of research in the last years. The aim of this research is to test the in vitro immunomodulating capacity of Anapsos in a child palatine tonsil explants model. METHODS: Palatine tonsils explants of children undergoing amigdalectomy were stimulated with mononuclear cells obtained from their own blood by density gradient centrifugation. Some were then treated with Anapsos while others rest untreated. Cytokines were measured by ELISA, immune cells activation was measured by flow cytometry and activation of immunoglobulins was appreciated by indirect immunofluorescence in tonsils tissue. RESULTS: Anapsos activates Natural Killers cells. It increases IL-2 and IFN-γ levels by the activation of Th2 lymphocytes, and IL-10, by the Th1 lymphocytes. Anapsos also increases immunoglobulins IgM, IgD and IgG4 by B-lymphocyte activation in tonsils tissue. CONCLUSION: Anapsos has an immunomodulating effect, both in humoral and cellular responses, which might benefit children suffering of recurrent tonsillitis as it could enhance their immune system. This effect might reduce the number of episodes suffered and therefore the number of children undergoing surgery.