[A nonspecific immunostimulant effect with Cantastim on the cellular and humoral immune responses in mice evaluated by in vivo and in vitro tests].

The stimulatory effect was evaluated, of an ethanol extraction obtained from a pathogenic strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa type XV. It was noted that this extract, commercially known as "Cantastim" has mitogenic effects in vitro for mouse lymphocytes, but not for those of humans or of guinea pigs. It activates the cytostatic functions of macrophages. It is thermoresistant, nonimmunogenic and it is not allergic. A low amount of proteins and carbohydrates are contained in this extract, but it contains over 80% phospholipids. It has a transient stimulating effect of the cytotoxic effects of NK cells, and it also activates the synthesis of antibodies from the IgM and the IgG classes. It probably stimulates the expression of receptors for PHA in the membrane of T lymphocytes, and retards the development of the Ehrlich ascites tumour, protecting at the same time the animals from severe infections with conditionally pathogenic germs. These data suggests that "Cantastim" is a potent immunomodulating agent that could be used successfully in the fight against certain chronic diseases with a bacterial or neoplastic etiology of humans.