Evaluation of cell mediated immune response in rabbits fed with Cucurbita maxima seeds

Cucurbita maxima seed was tested for its immunomodulatory effect by comparing with immunostimulant, Levamisole HCL using dexamethasone induced immuno suppression model in rabbits in terms of assessing cell mediated immune response. Thirty six rabbits were randomly divided into six groups of six animals in each. Group I was the untreated control. Group II was dexamethasone sodium treated. Group III was levamisole HCL treated. Group IV was treated with Cucurbita maxima seeds. Group V was levamisole and dexamethasone treated and Group VI was treated with dexamethasone and Cucurbita maxima. Levamisole HCL was given at the rate of 2.5 mg/kg subcutaneously thrice a week, dexamethasone sodium was given at the rate of 2 mg/kg intramuscularly for seven days and Cucurbita maxima was given at the rate of 1000 mg/kg orally for 10 days. To assess the cell mediated immune response, leukocyte migration immigration test, delayed type hypersensitivity test and haematological indices were carried out. The body weight and spleen weight were also recorded. The results indicated that there were significant increase in % leukocyte migration inhibition in Cucurbita maxima and dexamethasone + Cucurbita maxima treated groups as compared to control. In tuberculin sensitivity, Cucurbita maxima, dexamethasone + Cucurbita maxima, levamisole, dexamethasone + levamisole showed significant increase in skin thickness as compared to control. This study suggested that the Cucurbita maxima seed has the potential to reverse dexamethasone induced cell mediated immunosuppression in rabbits.