T lymphocytes and macrophages in the intestinal tissues of dogs infected with Leishmania infantum

Author(s)

da Silva, Diogo Tiago ; Alves, Maria Luana ; Pereira Spada, Julio Cesar ; da Silva, Aline Cristine ; Viveiros da Silveira, Rita de Cassia ; Ferreira de Sousa Oliveira, Tricia Maria ; Starke-Buzetti, Wilma Aparecida

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA; v. 26, n. 2, p. 12-pg., 2017-04-01.

Abstract

This study was about a semi-quantitative analysis of T lymphocytes (CD4(+) and CD8(+), FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells), and macrophages in the gut wall of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum. Thirteen dogs were divided into three groups: group 1 (G1, n= 5), dogs with canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) and infected with L. infantum amastigotes in the intestine; group 2 (G2, n= 5), dogs with CVL but without intestinal amastigotes; and group 3 (G3, n= 3), uninfected dogs (control group). There was no significant difference (p >= 0.05) on CD4(+) and Treg cell numbers among the groups, whereas the levels of CD8(+) T cells and macrophages were significantly higher in dogs from G1 group than in G2 and G3 (p <= 0.05), especially in intestinal segments with high parasite burden. Parasite burden correlated positively with levels of CD8(+) T cells and macrophages (p <= 0.05), but was inversely correlated to levels of CD4(+) T lymphocytes and FoxP3(+) Treg cells. In conclusion, in the intestine of dogs with CVL, the increase of CD8(+) T cells and macrophages population associated with high parasite burdens, but no changes of CD4(+) T cells and FoxP3(+) Treg cells suggest a possible immunoregulation by the parasite not dependent on Treg cells. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/13875-5 - Correlation of the granulocytic and monocytic cell profiles in the intestine of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum
• Grantee: Diogo Tiago da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master