In vitro and in vivo antitumor and immunomodulatory studies of Microcosmus exasperatus against DLA bearing mice

V.K. Meenakshi, S. Senthamarai

Abstract

In vitro, in vivo antitumor and immunomodulatory activity of the ethanolic extract of the simple ascidian Microcosmus exasperatus was assessed against Dalton’s Lymphoma Ascites (DLA) cells. 100% toxicity was observed at a concentration of 0.80 mg/ml. The extract at 50, 100, 150 and standard drug Vincristin at 80 mg/kg body weight was administered to different groups of tumor induced mice. The results showed significant reduction in weight of body, relative organs, solid tumor volume, packed cell volume, viable cells, WBC, neutrophils, serum Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT), cellular Glutathione (GSH) and an increase in median survival time, life span, non viable cells, haemoglobin, RBC, lymphocyte, eosinophil, bone marrow cellularity, β-esterase positive cells, antibody titer and plaque forming cells in spleen. Restoration of NO levels was observed on the 15th day. The activity was comparatively greater than that observed for the standard drug in all the parameters tested. The above results indicate the presence of bioactive compounds with antitumor property in the ascidian studied.