An experimental model for fatal malaria due to TNF-alpha-dependent hepatic damage

Parasitology. 2008 May;135(6):683-90. doi: 10.1017/S0031182008004344. Epub 2008 Apr 1.

Abstract

While BALB/c mice survive infection with blood stages of Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi (AS), 70% of DBA/2 mice die by day 9-11 of infection, both strains controlling parasitaemia. We describe here that infection of DBA/2 mice results in extensive, multifocal hepatocyte death. Antibody neutralization of TNF-alpha prevents both liver damage and death.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies / therapeutic use
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver / parasitology
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Diseases / drug therapy
  • Liver Diseases / parasitology*
  • Liver Diseases / pathology
  • Malaria / drug therapy
  • Malaria / mortality*
  • Malaria / parasitology
  • Malaria / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred DBA
  • Plasmodium chabaudi*
  • Time Factors
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha