0000000000733411
AUTHOR
R. Rossol
Effects of Hypericum Extract on the Expression of Serotonin Receptors
The influence of hypericum extract LI 160 on the expression of serotonin receptors was investigated using a neuroblastoma cell line to establish a model for the regulation of neurotransmitters by immunologically active compounds such as cytokines. The cells were incubated with hypericum extract LI 160 in kinetic form for 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 hours, then washed. The serotonin receptor expression analysis was compared to that of a placebo control solution. The neuroblastoma cells showed a clearly reduced expression of the serotonin receptors under treatment with hypericum extract. First stimulation experiments with interleukin-1 (IL-1) and hypericum extract suggest that a further reduction of …
Tumornekrosefaktor und Interferon als prognostische Marker der HIV-Infektion
Peripheral blood cells were obtained from patients at different stages of their human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It was found that the capacity to generate interferon alpha was reduced already at Walter Reed stage 2 (WR) while the interferon gamma capacity remained largely unaffected until WR stage 4. Endogenous tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha production increased as the HIV disease progressed. The data obtained add to our knowledge on destruction of the immune system by the HIV. Moreover TNF and acid labile interferon alpha might contribute to HIV replication and disease progression. Nevertheless the tests performed are too time-consuming to be introduced into routine analys…