Study on the immunopathologic effects of 4(3H)-quinazolinone-2-ethyl-2-phenyl ethyl (QEPE) in newborn Balb/C mice

Quinazolinones are heterocyclic and water insoluble compounds with various pharmacological and biological characteristics (antibacterial, antiswelling, antifungal, parkinson and etc.). They are used for treatment HIV and cancer. This study investigated the effects of 4(3H) quinazlonones-2-ethyl-2-phenyl ethyl (QEPE) as a new quinazolinons compounds on the spleen and immunocompetent cells of newborn Balb/C mice. Pregnant mice were divided into 3 groups (n=10) of control, sham and experimental, received distilled water, methyl cellulose %0.05 (the solvent) and 100 mg/kg body weight (ip) of QEPE (most effective dose), respectively, on days 8 to 15 of gestation. Examinations indicated an increase in weight of spleen in experimental group. Pathological studies showed increase in capsule thickness and number of macrophage cells of experimental group. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in morphological studies between experimental, sham and control groups. The statistical data on capsule thickness and number of macrophage cells indicated significant differences between groups. Detailed observations showed an increase in the volume of monocyte, neutrophile and eosinophile, in response to QEPE, but the volume of lymphocyte and basophile were similar in experimental, control and sham groups. The damages caused by this dose of QEPE could have been the reason for the increase in the number of immonucompetent and macrophage cells. Some studies showed damages to the organs such as livers and hearts would lead to the increase in the thickness of spleen capsule, consequently, increase in its weight and leading to splenomegaly. So, QEPE can not be an appropriate candidate for drug development. QEPE in lower doses might be an appropriate candidate for increase of immune system resistance.