Objective   To explore the effects of Dictyophora rubrovolvata on immune function in mice.

  Methods   Forty female Kunming mice were randomly assigned into a control and a cyclophosphamide (Cy) group gavaged with distilled water and low-, moderate-, and high-dose groups gavaged with water extraction of Dictyophora rubrovolvata at dosages of 5, 10, 15 g/kg continuously for 30 days. At the 20th day of the gavage, all the mice were administered with Cy by intraperitoneal injection at the dosage of 50 mg/kg·body weight once a day continuously for 3 days, except for the mice of control group. At the end of treatment, all the mice were weighted and their blood samples were collected and their spleens and thymuses were separated after a 24-hour fasting. Serum interleukin 12 (IL-12), interleukin 4 (IL-4), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) of the mice were detected.

  Results   No significant difference in body weight, spleen index, and thymus index were observed between the mice of control and Cy group; while the body weight, spleen and thymus index of mice of high Dictyophora rubrovolvata group increased significantly compared to those of the Cy group (P < 0.05 for all). Serum IL-12 (18.12 ± 3.55 ng/ml), IL-4 (18.12 ± 3.55 ng/ml), and IFN-γ (12.73 ± 2.79 ng/ml) of the Cy group decreased significantly compared to those of the control group (P < 0.05 for all). In comparison with those of the Cy group, significantly increased serum IL-12 (32.58 ± 3.95 and 31.73 ± 4.30 ng/ml), IL-4 (17.81 ± 4.23 and 23.50 ± 1.66 ng/ml), and IFN-γ (22.58 ± 3.76 and 25.27 ± 3.86 ng/ml) were detected in the moderate- and high-dose Dictyophora rubrovolvata groups (all P < 0.05).

  Conclusion   Dictyophora rubrovolvata can promote expressions of IL-12, IL-4, and IFN-γ and antagonize adverse impact of cyclophosphamide on immune function in mice.