Abstract: Collagen type II (CII) 1.5 mg was injected intradermally on d0 to induce arthritis (CIA) in rats. Hind paw volumes of rats were measured with a water displacement method. The serum anti-collagen antibody was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Delayed hypersensitivity was reflected by skin response to CII. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) activities were evaluated by [3H]-TdR uptake and interleukin-2 (IL-2) activity were measured by MTT colorimetric assay. Ganoderma lucidum (leyss. ex Fr.) Karst. (GL) 0.5 and 1.0 g.kg^-1·d^-1, given iP to rats from d0, to d24, suppressed skin response to CII, 1.0 g.kg^-1 GL reduced high level of anti-collagen antibody and improved the lowered IL-2 production in CIA rats. GL had no significant effect on IL-1 production and could not reduce inflammatory swelling of hind paw in CIA rats. As an immunomodulator, GL had shown no significant antiinflammatory activity, but improved the abnormal immune function in CIA.

Key words: Collagen induced arthritis, Collagen induced arthritis, Anti-type II collagen antibody, Anti-type II collagen antibody, Ganoderma lucidum leyss ex Fr Karst, Ganoderma lucidum leyss ex Fr Karst, Delayed-type hypersensitivity, Delayed-type hypersensitivity, Interleukin-1, Interleukin-1, Interleukin-2, Interleukin-2