In vitro effect of levamisole on the cell viability, phagocytosis and respiratory burst of Barbel chub (Squaliobarbus curriculus) macrophages

The present study was to determine in vitro effect of levamisole on the immune functions of Barbel chub (Squaliobarbus curriculus), head–kidney-derived (HKM), spleen-derived (SM) and peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophage (PBM). Macrophages were incubated with levamisole 103, 101, 10−1 and 10−3 ng mL−1 to assay the cell viability, respiratory burst and phagocytosis. The results showed that macrophages treated with levamisole 10−3 ng mL−1 gave a maximum respiratory burst response, whereas levamisole 103 ng mL−1 had no effect. Phagocytosis activity of the macrophages treated with levamisole enhanced significantly when compared to control, maximum response being at 10−3 ng mL−1. While using the methylthiazoletetrazolium method to measure the cell activity for 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 h, there was no significant role on proliferation and the cell viability began to decline after 24 h. In conclusion, levamisole is a potent enhancer of Barbel chub macrophage activity with low concentration.