In vivo expression of cytokine mRNA in rats infected with Schistosoma mansoni

Abstract

As an animal model, rat schistosomiasis mansoni has provided considerable knowledge of immune mechanisms involved in the expulsion of worms and in a subsequent development of immunity to reinfection. Although it is clear that ADCC mechanisms participate in immunity to reinfection; the nature of the cytokines involved in immunity is unknown. To analyse the pattern of cytokines involved, the mRNA levels of different cytokines were assessed by RT-PCR as they occur within tissues during the course of infection. In spleens from infected rats, a significant elevation in IL-2 and IL-5 mRNA was observed during the early phase of infection (day 7). Analysis of pulmonary cytokine responses showed a dramatic increase in IL-4 and IL-5 on day 7. This was accompanied with a low but significant increase in IL-2 (day 11) and IL-12 (day 7) in the absence of augmented IFN-gamma expression. The cytokine expression patterns of draining lymph nodes (LN) from infected rats showed a significant increase of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-5 on day 21. Analysis of IL-10 expression showed exclusively a significant increase in LN on day 11, IFN-gamma mRNA was not detected in any tissue sample. Thus, rats develop a predominately Th2-type cytokine response during a primary infection which may be involved at least in part, in the expression of immunity against Schistosoma mansoni infection.

Concurrent infection with Schistosoma mansoni attenuates inflammation induced changes in colonic morphology, cytokine levels, and smooth muscle contractility of trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid induced colitis in rats

“…[18][19][20][21] According to Cêtre et al, the unexpected increase in splenic IL-2 without an increase in IFN-c might be due to lymphoproliferation after an antigenic stimulation. 28 Although in the present study no quantitative method was used to count splenic lymphocytes, proliferation of leucocytes within the spleen is suggested by the overall increase in splenic MPO activity after infection with S mansoni, irrespective of the presence of TNBS induced colitis. The reason for the isolated increase in splenic IL-2 in the rat after S mansoni infection remains largely unexplained.…”

“…It was previously shown that S mansoni induces a Th2 immune response in the semipermissive rat host. 28 In general, the systemic immune response to S mansoni in rodents can be followed by measuring cytokine production in the lungs, liver, spleen, or mesenteric lymph nodes. 28 In the present study, we evaluated the systemic immune response by analysing cytokine production in the spleen.…”

“…28 In general, the systemic immune response to S mansoni in rodents can be followed by measuring cytokine production in the lungs, liver, spleen, or mesenteric lymph nodes. 28 In the present study, we evaluated the systemic immune response by analysing cytokine production in the spleen. Infection of rats with S mansoni induced a transient rise in splenic levels of the Th2 cytokine IL-4.…”

Changes of cytokine mRNA expression and IgG responses in rats infected with Capillaria hepatica

“…This result indicates that the immune response is associated to the parasitic infection pathway (Cetre et al, 1998). C. hepatica is a parasite, which is largely unrelated to MLNs, parasitic in the liver parenchyma and requires only a short time to pass the intestine.…”

Expression of a Functional IL-13Rα1 by Rat B Cells

“…In support of this, we have recently analyzed the mechanisms of protective immunity developed during rat experimental schistosomiasis. Interestingly, these data indicate major differences with mouse model regarding the type and the nature of immune protective response (23,24). Collectively, observations made in rat model and humans, and unlike mouse model, demonstrated strong similarity since a type 2 response is predominantly involved in protection against schistosomiasis (25).…”