In vivo stimulation of peritoneal cells by chitosan administered in drinking water to mice

The aim of the study was to determine immunostimulant properties of chitosan administered alimentary to BALB/c mice. We observed that chitosan feeding effected in activation of cells from the peritoneal cavity. The cells produced less nitric oxide with simultaneous enhanced activity of arginase and higher expression of receptor for IL-4. What is more, chitosan caused increased number of cells expressing MHC class II. The study confirms that chitosan can stimulate immune system what potentially makes it useful candidate for adjuvant.