The Causal Role of IL-4 and IL-13 in Schistosoma mansoni Pulmonary Hypertension.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

The etiology of schistosomiasis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a major cause of PAH worldwide, is poorly understood. Schistosoma mansoni exposure results in prototypical type-2 inflammation. Furthermore, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling is required for experimental pulmonary hypertension (PH) caused by Schistosoma exposure.

Objectives

We hypothesized type-2 inflammation driven by IL-4 and IL-13 is necessary for Schistosoma-induced TGF-β-dependent vascular remodeling.

Methods

Wild-type, IL-4(-/-), IL-13(-/-), and IL-4(-/-)IL-13(-/-) mice (C57BL6/J background) were intraperitoneally sensitized and intravenously challenged with S. mansoni eggs to induce experimental PH. Right ventricular catheterization was then performed, followe

SUBMITTER: Kumar R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4642207 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature