Effects of new taurine derivatives on primary immune response in rats.

The effects of new taurine derivatives TAU-15 and TAU-60 with normal and branched alkyl chains, respectively, in a dose of 25 mg/kg on the primary immune response in rats were studied in rats. Intraperitoneal injections of test compounds for 24 days caused transient inhibition of immune reactions to thymus-dependent antigen, which was related to suppressed production of interleukin-1beta playing a key role in antigen presentation. This effect was probably associated with activation of cortisol secretion. TAU-15 inhibited production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and, therefore, prevented tissue damages. The immune response was normalized after withdrawal of these preparations.