Resumen:
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Chitosan is a copolymer of
N-acetylglucosamine and glucosamine derived from chitin with several
applications in pharmaceutical and medical fields. This
polysaccharide exhibits adjuvant properties in mucosal
immune
responses of humans, rats and mice. Characterization of signals
elicited by chitosan at the intestinal epithelium could explain its
immunomodulatory activity and biocompatibility. We fed normal rats
with single doses of chitosan and 16 h later, we purified intestinal
epithelial cells (IECs) to assess immune and biochemical parameters.
Following chitosan administration, mRNA expression and release of
several cytokines and chemokines increased, injury markers maintained
constitutive levels and MHC type II molecule expression was
augmented. IEC supernatants showed higher levels of IL-10, IL-6 and
TGF-β. Arginase