Dynamics of Liver Granuloma and the Relative Changes of Th1/Th2 Cytokine Levels in Mice Infected with Schistosoma Japonicum / 复旦学报（医学版）

ABSTRACT

Purpose To oberve the dynamics of liver granuloma and the relative changes of Thl/Th2cytokine levels in mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum, and investigate the role of Th1/Th2 in S.japontcum granuloma formation and regulation. Methods Liver granuloma measurement were performedby histological examination and the ELISA were used for the quantitative determination of IL-2, IFNr andIL-4 in murine serum and spleen lymphocyte culture medium at 0,4,6,8,10 and 12 wk after infection.Results At 6 wk liver granuloma formation appeared and at 8 wk liver granuloma peaked. After 12 wk livergranuhoma diminished obviously. Meanwhile, at 4 - 6 wk IL-2, IFNr and IL-4 began to rise, at 8 wk thelevels of Th1 cytokines IL-2 and IFNγ peaked and then declined, and at 8 wk the levels of Th2 cytokines IL-4 were rapidly enhanced and increased obviously with a prolongation of the infection duration.Conclusions The Th1cytokines IL-2 and IFNγ were correlated well with S. japonicum granulomaformation and vigour, and the Th2 cytokines IL-4 might play an important role in down-regulating egggranuloma reaction at chronic schistosomiasis by inhibiting the Th1cytokines.