Hematopoietic effect of Z-100, an extract from human type tubercle bacilli, (2)

Z-100, an extract form from human type Tubercle Bacilli, was evaluated in C57BL/6 mice for hematopoietic effects when administered after exposure to x radiation (4 Gy). When 0.5, 2.5, or 10 mg/kg/day of Z-100 was delivered subcutaneously for 8 days after radiation therapy, recovery of radiation-induced decrease in peripheral leukocytes counts was promoted in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, an increase in colony forming unit in culture and in colony stimulating factor activity was promoted. Z-100 inhibited the decrease in granulocyte counts of the abdominal exudate associated with irradiation. It also exerted promoting effects on the recovery of humoral and cellular immunity decrease. These results indicate that Z-100 is a promising radioprotective agent for hematological and immlunological damage associated with radiation therapy in cancer. (N.K.)