SHILAJIT INDUCED MORPHOMETRIC AND FUNCTIONAL-CHANGES IN MOUSE PERITONEAL-MACROPHAGES

The dose- and time-dependent effects of processed shilajit (SJP) on morphometric and functional changes of mouse peritoneal macrophages were evaluated. Several dynamic aspects of cellular modulations were observed in response to SJP treatment (0.025-900 meg per mouse, i.p.) for different periods of time (0 min to several hours). A plausible mechanism of drug-receptor interactions, involving different types of transition states, is postulated. Dose and time dependent bond formation-deformation in the complex transitions were reflected in the morphometric and functional manifestations of the adherent cells. These findings suggest the necessity of carefully determining the dose and period of administration of shilajit even when accepted as a panacea.