Objective: To investigate the change of the level of protiens and the number of white blood cell (WBC) in blood, and the
shape and structure of liver cell in normal and immunosuppressed rats caused by
cyclophosphamide (Cy) after subcutaneous injection of water extract from the culture mycelium of Paecilomyces cicadae (P. Cicadae), and to explore the effect of P. Cicadae on the
nutritious condition of rats. Methods:The hemoglobin level in the red blood cells and the contents of the total proteins and albumin in the serum were determined by HiCN method, biuret reaction and bromocresol green method respectively, and the number of WBC in peripheral blood also be measured, and the shape and structure of liver cell were observed under electron microscope.Results:After administering P. cicadae to rats, the following results were observed: The level of total proteins and globulin in the serum in normal rats were notably increased(P<0.01), and the decrease of the contents of hemoglobin and the total proteins and globulin in the blood in Cy-immunosuppressed rats were restored(P<0.05). Not only the number of WBC in peripheral blood in normal rats was significantly elevated(P<0.05), but also the decrease of WBC in Cy-immunosuppressed rats was inhibited obviously(P<0.05). The number of rough endoplasmic reticulum(RER) and mitochondrion in liver cell increased evidently in normal rats under electron microscope.Conclusion:P. cicadae can improve the nutritious condition of rats.