Method of enhancing immune response of mammals

• US 4,992,470 A
• Filed: 02/08/1990
• Issued: 02/12/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 02/08/1990
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation Incorporated (Iowa State University)
• Original Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation Incorporated (Iowa State University)
• Inventors: Nissen, Steven L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Robinson, Douglas W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Fay, Zohreh A.
• Application Number:
  US07/477,240
• Time in Patent Office: 369 Days
• Field of Search: 514/578, 514/885
• US Class Current: 514/578
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/19 Carboxylic acids, e.g. valproic acid salicylic acid A61K31/60

Abstract

β-methyl-βbutyrate (HMB) has been found to be markedly more effective for activating the immune function of T lymphocytes of mammals than α-ketoisocaproate (KIC). For activation of the T lymphocytes, β-methyl-butyric acid or an edible water-soluble salt thereof is administered to the mammal by a route through which the HMB enters the blood of the mammal. The amount administered is sufficient for effective enhancement of the blastogenesis of their T lymphocytes. The method is adapted for use with domestic mammals, including particularly cattle, sheep, and swine. HMB can also be used with humans as an immune system stimulant.

Claims

1. The method of activating the immune function of T lymphocytes of mammals in need of such treatment, comprising administering to said mammals β

-hydroxy-β

-methyl butyric acid or an edible water-soluble salt thereof (HMB), said HMB being administered by a route in which the HMB enters the blood of the mammals and in an amount effective for enhancing the blastogenesis of their T lymphocytes.

2. The method of claim 1 in which said mammals are selected from the group of domestic animals consisting of cattle, sheep, and swine.

3. The method of claim 1 in which said mammals are humans.

4. The method of claim 2 in which the HMB is administered by admixing with feed for said mammals, and the HMB (Ca-HMB basis) is administered in an amount from 0.5 to 100 milligrams (mgs) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per 24 hours.

5. The method of claim 3 in which said HMB (Ca-HMB basis) is orally or parenterally administered in an amount of 500 to 2,500 milligrams (mg) per human subject per 24 hours.