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(Reference retrieved automatically from Google Scholar through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Osteopontin involvement in granuloma formation and in the severity of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection

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Author(s):
Nishikaku, Angela Satie [1] ; Scavone, Renata [1] ; Sanchez Molina, Raphael Fagnani [1] ; Albe, Bernardo Paulo [1] ; Cunha, Claudia Da Silva [1] ; Burger, Eva [1]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Imunol, Inst Ciencias Biomed, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: Medical Mycology; v. 47, n. 5, p. 495-507, 2008.
Web of Science Citations: 5
Abstract

The participation of osteopontin (OPN) in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infected mice, its association to granulomatogenesis, severity of infection, pattern of lesions, nitric oxide (NO) levels and fungal load were evaluated in this investigation. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed marked OPN staining in extracellular matrix and in macrophages and multinucleated giant cells at the center of lesions, suggesting a possible role of OPN in the distribution of these cells within the granulomas. At 15 days post-infection with a virulent P. brasiliensis isolate, OPN(+) cells were more numerous and intensely immunostained in the loose granulomas of susceptible mice than in those of resistant mice. In addition, high fungal loads and low NO levels were observed in susceptible mice. At 120 days after infection, resistant mice had increased total OPN levels (ELISA) and OPN positivity in compact granulomas, higher NO levels and lower fungal loads than susceptible mice. Residual lesions associated with low OPN levels, high NO and control of fungal dissemination were observed in both mouse strains at 120 days post-infection with the slightly virulent fungal isolate. Therefore, OPN could be associated with higher severity of the disease in an early phase of infection and with a degree of control of the progressive infection. (AU)