Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Bacillus subtilis BS02 on viability and immune responses of RAW 264.7 cells. RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with and without B. subtilis spores for 12 h in the treatment group and the control group, respectively. Cytotoxic effect of B. subtilis BS02 on macrophages was measured by cell viability and LDH cytotoxicity assay. Immune responses of macrophage elicited by B. subtilis BS02 were analyzed by measuring the activities of Acid Phosphatase (ACP) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), the production of Nitric Oxide (NO) and inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. The results showed that after 12 h incubation, B. subtilis BS02 spores had no influence on viability of RAW 264.7 cells; ACP and LDH activities, the production of NO and iNOS, the levels of inflammatory cytokines [Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and IL-12] were significantly higher than that in the control group (p<0.01). These results indicate that B. subtilis BS02 is not only safe for RAW 264.7 cells but also can activate macrophage immune function.
Q. Huang, Y.L. Li, X. Xu, Y. Huang, Z.W. Cui, D.Y. Yu and W.F. Li, 2012. Modulatory Effects of Bacillus subtilis BS02 on Viability and Immune Responses of RAW 264.7 Murine Macrophages. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 11: 1934-1938.