[Role of TNF-alpha and ICAM-1 in pathogenesis of cerebral malaria].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of TNF-alpha and ICAM-1 in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria. METHODS: Immunohistochemical method and ELISA were employed to examine the expression of ICAM-1 on the brain microvessel endothelium and to detect the production of serum TNF-alpha in P. berghei ANKA strain infected-CBA/J mice. RESULTS: Serum TNF-alpha levels of mice were apparently higher and the ICAM-1 expression was more evident in P. berghei ANKA infected-CBA/J mice than in control groups. rTNF-alpha i.p. injection could enhance the development of CM and the expression of ICAM-1 on brain endothelial cells(EC). CONCLUSION: Excessive production of TNF-alpha may mediate the expression of ICAM-1 on brain EC and hence cause the development of CM.