TOXOPLASMA GONDII INDUCES PROSTAGLANDIN E_2 SYNTHESIS IN MACROPHAGES VIA CYCLOOXYGENASE-2 PATHWAY / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2) production pathway in Toxoplasma gondii-infected macrophage RAW264.7 cell line.Methods Cells were incubated with Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Prostaglandin synthesis and arachidonic acid in supernants were detected with ELISA and gas chromatogram. Expression of cyclooxygenase-1/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-1/COX-2) mRNA and protein following stimulation with LPS or infection of Toxoplasma gondii were evaluated with RT-PCR and Western blot in presence or absence of peculiar antagonists of PGE 2 production. Results PGE 2 synthesis of macrophages began at 4-8 h after invasion with Toxoplasma gondii and saturated at 12-16 h. Expression of COX-2 mRNA peaked at 4-8 h, and diminished in presence of both indomethacin and nimesulide, COX-2 protein expression was not affected by them. Expression of COX-1 mRNA and protein were constant and not affected by either indomethacin or nimesulide. Conclusion Toxoplasma gondii may induce macrophages prostaglandin E 2 synthesis via cyclooxygenase-2 pathway.