Inhibitory effect of Tripterine on proliferation of lymphocytes in mice

Three components were isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. They were identified as tripterine (celastrol), wilforlid A ad 3 beta, 22 alpha-dihydroxy-delta12-oleanen-29-oic acid (DOOA). Tripterine inhibited the proliferations of splenic cells in mice induced by mitogens including phytochemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM). Optimal effects were seen at 0.1 microg/mL. Tripterine also inhibited the proliferation of lymphonodus cells. However, no significant effect was seen on thymus cells. Neither wilforid A nor DOOA showed any effects on the proliferation of mouse lymphocytes.