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

Thymic alterations induced by Plasmodium berghei: Expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors

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Author(s):
Dionete Lima, Alliny Carolina [1] ; Francelin, Carolina [1] ; Ferrucci, Danilo Lopes [2] ; Stach-Machado, Dagmar Ruth [1] ; Verinaud, Liana [1]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Dept Struct & Funct Biol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Inst Biol, Dept Biochem, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Cellular Immunology; v. 279, n. 1, p. 53-59, SEP 2012.
Web of Science Citations: 7
Abstract

The thymus plays a crucial role in the generation of T-cells, and so our laboratory has been interested in the study of the intrathymic events that occur during infection diseases and may cause disruption in its functions. Previously, we showed that thymus from experimentally Plasmodium berghei-infected mice present histological alterations with high levels of apoptosis, changes in cell migration-related molecules, and premature egress of immature thymocytes to periphery. In addition, parasites were found inside the thymus. In this work we investigated alterations in the expression pattern and activity of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and -9, and their tissue inhibitors, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. Our results show enhanced expression and widespread distribution of these molecules in thymus from infected animals. Also, the presence of active MMP-2 was detected. These data are suggestive of MMPs and TIMPs importance in the earlier observed changes in the extracellular matrix during thymic alterations after plasmodium infection. (c) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (AU)