The Liver as a Major Site of Immunological Elimination of Murine Trypanosome Infection, Demonstrated with the Liver Perfusion Model

Abstract

The isolated liver perfusion model has been used to investigate immunological elimination of bacteria and yeasts but not for analysis of mechanisms of immunological destruction of extracellular parasitic protozoa. Extracellular trypanosomes are eliminated primarily through antibody (and complement?)-promoted hepatic (Kupffer cell) uptake and destruction. We studied the suitability of the isolated liver model system for analyzing the mechanism of immune elimination of mouse-specific Trpanosama musculi and identified several factors which can complicate such analyses: (i) mechanical trapping of trypanosomes that are quite large (for example, reproducing forms or epimastigotes) or are nonviable and, therefore, nondeformable; (ii) variable species and concentrations of cytadhesive molecules; and (iii) the integrity and composition of the trypanosomal surface coat. There was a substantial difference between hepatic retention of infused T. musculi organisms coated with a specific antibody and those devoid of antibody when both were suspended in normal mouse serum. The difference appeared sufficient to allow accurate quantitative studies of immune destruction in the liver. Reprints.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA224746

Entities

People

  • Gary W. Long
  • Joseph F. Albright
  • Julia W. Albright

Organizations

  • Naval Medical Research Center

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Adhesion
  • Animals
  • Bacteria
  • Blood
  • Blood Vessels
  • Cells
  • Endothelial Cells
  • Health Services
  • Immune System
  • Infection
  • Macrophages
  • Materials
  • Microbiology
  • Molecules
  • Mononuclear Phagocyte System
  • Veins
  • Vena Cava

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Microbial Pathology
  • Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • Parasitology and Pharmacology of Malaria.