To evaluate the effect of SHP [Sargassum hemiphyllum (Turner) C.Ag. polysaccharides] on splenocytes in irradiated mice

the UDS

DNA and protein’s synthesis of murine splenocytes were detected by 3H-TdR and 3H-TyR incorporation test. Flow cytometry was used to determine the distribution of cell cycles and CD4 expression. The SHP (20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg) stimulated the synthesis of DNA and proteins in splenocytes of irradiated mice. The SHP (10 —40 mg/kg) significantly enhanced the UDS and CD4 expression of splenocytes in irradiated mice. The SHP (20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg) might induce the change of cell cycles of splenocytes in irradiated mice; the percentage of cells was decreased in G0/G1 phase and increased in G2/M phase. However

the percentage of cells in S phase for the SHP (10 —40 mg/kg) group was significantly higher than that for the control group. Accordingly

the SHP has a protective effect on splenocytes in irradiated mice.