Abstract
The effects of Panax ginseng on morphine-induced immune suppression were studied. Morphine (20 mg/kg, SC, 4 days) decreased body weight increment rate and caused atrophy of thymus and spleen. These changes were partly reversed by concomitant administration of ginseng total saponin (GTS, 100 mg/kg, oral, 9 days). Morphine elevated the serum corticosterone level and caused the DNA fragmentation of thymocytes. These sequential events were completely blocked by a concomitant administration of GTS. Flow cytometry analysis showed that GTS specifically blocked morphine-induced apoptosis of thymocytes.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Apoptosis / drug effects*
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Atrophy
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Body Weight / drug effects
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Corticosterone / blood*
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Corticosterone / metabolism
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DNA Fragmentation / drug effects
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Lymphoid Tissue / drug effects
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Lymphoid Tissue / pathology
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Male
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Morphine / pharmacology*
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Panax*
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Plants, Medicinal*
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Receptors, Glucocorticoid / drug effects
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Receptors, Glucocorticoid / metabolism
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Saponins / pharmacology*
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Thymus Gland / cytology
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Thymus Gland / drug effects*
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Thymus Gland / physiology
Substances
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Receptors, Glucocorticoid
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Saponins
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Morphine
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Corticosterone