The immunomodulator AS101 administered orally as a chemoprotective and radioprotective agent

AS101 [ammonium-trichloro (0,0′ dioxyethylene)tellurate] is a new immunomodulator shown previously to stimulate the production of various cytokines in vitro and in vivo, and to have minimal toxicity. In the present study we explore the possibility of oral administration of AS101 to mice via cannulation in lieu of interperitoneal or intravenous administration reported to date. Our studies show that oral administration of AS101 at a dose ranging between 50 and 100 μg/mouse promotes hemopoietic regeneration after treatment with sublethal doses of cyclophosphamide (CYP) and protects mice from the lethal effects of this compound. In addition, AS101 administered orally confers a strong radioprotective effect upon mice when given before irradiation.