Babesia bovis-stimulated macrophages express interleukin-1beta, interleukin-12, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and nitric oxide and inhibit parasite replication in vitro.

ABSTRACT: The tick-transmitted hemoparasite Babesia bovis causes an acute infection that results in persistence and immunity against challenge infection in cattle that control the initial parasitemia. Resolution of acute infection with this protozoal pathogen is believed to be dependent on products of activated macrophages (Mphi), including inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) and its derivatives. B. bovis stimulates inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and production of NO in bovine Mphi, and chemical donors of NO inhibit the growth of B. bovis in vitro. However, the induction of inflammatory cytokines in Mphi by babesial parasites has not been described, and the antiparasitic activity of NO produced by B. bovis-stimulated Mphi has not been definitively demonstrated. We report that monocy

SUBMITTER: Shoda LK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC101760 | biostudies-literature | 2000 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature