Objective: To observe the effects of total saponins from Albiziae Cortex(SA) on CD4+ and CD8+T lymphocyte subsets

levels of interleukin(IL)-2 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α

apoptosis inducing factor (Fas)

apoptosis-induced ligand (FasL) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein expressions in tumor-bearing mice

and to explore its intervention mechanism of cellular immune functions. Method: Totally 60 Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal group

model group

cyclophosphamide (CTX) group

SA high

medium and low dose groups. The H22 tumor bearing mice models were established. CTX (20 mg·kg -1·d-1)

SA (4

2

1 mg·kg -1·d-1) were given to the mice of experimental groups by intraperitoneal injection respectively. After continuous treatment for 11 days

the tumor inhibition rate

the levels of IL-2 and TNF-α in serum were detected

and the expressions of Fas

FasL and PCNA protein expressions in tumor cells were determined by immunohistochemical staining; tumor tissue morphology was observed by htoxylineosin(HE) staining. Result: As compared with the model group

the average weight of transplanted tumor in various dose groups of SA reduced significantly (P<0.05

P<0.01). The number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was increased obviously in medium dose group(P<0.05

P<0.01)

but CD4+/CD8+ ratio was not affected. The levels of IL-2 in medium and high dose groups were significantly increased(P<0.05)

and the levels of TNF-α had no change. The FasL and PCNA protein expressions were significantly decreased in various dose groups of SA (P<0.01)

and Fas expression level in medium and high dose groups was significantly elevated (P<0.01). Conclusion: SA have immunomodulatory effects on cellular immunity. The mechanisms may be associated with up-regulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets

promoting IL-2 secretion

increasing Fas protein expressions and inhibiting FasL and PCNA protein expressions.