This study was performed to investigate the in vitro effect of a corn water extract on immune function. Splenocyte proliferation was determined by the MTT(3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl terazolium bromide) assay after preparing asingle cell suspension. Production of macrophage-secreted interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, and interferon(IFN)-γ, was detected by ELISA using a cytokine assay kit. After a 48-hr incubation with mitogens(ConA or lipopolysaccharide), mice splenocyte proliferation increased with the addition of a corn water extract supplement at 10, 50, 100, 250, 500, or 1, 000㎍/㎖. Production of IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ increased in treatments supplemented with the corn water extract. In an in vitro study, splenocyte proliferation increased when 50~1, 000㎕/㎖ corn water extract was added. In an ex vivo experiment, the highest production of cytokines by activated peritoneal macrophages was observed in mice orally administered 500㎎/㎏ body weight/day.

• 정혜영 | Hae Young Chung