Importance of TNF-alpha in the course of acute infection with Trypanosoma cruzi: influence of its inhibition by pentoxifylline treatment
Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz
; 103(1): 21-26, Feb. 2008. ilus, graf
Article
in En
| LILACS
| ID: lil-478872
Responsible library:
BR1.1
ABSTRACT
Infection of C3H/He mice with the Peruvian strain of Trypanosoma cruzi (Biodeme type I, Z2b), a macrophagotropic strain, determined severe parasitism of macrophages, necrosis of the spleen, and high host mortality. In the present study, pentoxifylline (PTX), an inhibitor of TNF-alpha was investigated on its action upon splenic necrosis, parasitemia and host survival. Immunohistochemical data suggested the importance of this cytokine in parasite destruction and decreasing of parasitemia, although paradoxically contributing to the high mortality of infected mice. Necrotic lesions involving several organs, specially the heart, in acute Chagas disease, are important aggravating factors, increasing cardiac morbidity. Advantage of inhibiting TNF-alpha action was herein investigated. Infected mice were divided into two groups untreated (n = 24), and PTX treated mice (n = 25). PTX was administered in two daily doses of 30 mg/kg/bw, by intraperitoneal route. Normal controls either treated with PTX or saline were also included. Histopathology of the spleen and in situ immunolabeling of TNF-alpha, using anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody, were performed. Necrotic areas were evaluated by morphometry. Mice treated with PTX showed a significant decrease of necrotic areas and diminution of TNF-alpha expression in spleen tissue, suggesting that PTX treatment could control TNF-alpha effects, and thus be used as an adjuvant in the treatment of acute Chagas' disease.
Key words
Full text:
1
Index:
LILACS
Main subject:
Pentoxifylline
/
Splenic Diseases
/
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
/
Chagas Disease
/
Parasitemia
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz
/
Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz
/
Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz (Online)
/
Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (Impresso)
/
Proceedings of the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz
Journal subject:
MEDICINA TROPICAL
/
PARASITOLOGIA
Year:
2008
Type:
Article