Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 24, 2026

In Vivo Infection with Leishmania amazonensis to Evaluate Parasite Virulence in Mice
06:57

In Vivo Infection with Leishmania amazonensis to Evaluate Parasite Virulence in Mice

Published on: February 20, 2020

Extracellular matrix alterations in experimental murine Leishmania (L.) amazonensis infection

A L Abreu-Silva1, K S Calabrese, R A Mortara

  • 1Departamento de Patologia da Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil.

Parasitology
|May 21, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Extracellular matrix changes in Leishmania amazonensis infections reveal type III collagen supports parasitized macrophages in susceptible mice. Fibronectin and laminin expression remained largely unaffected by parasite burden or genetic background.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Parasitology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Leishmania (L.) amazonensis causes visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis.
  • Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in tissue structure and immune cell function.
  • Understanding ECM alterations during infection is vital for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate ECM modifications in footpad lesions and lymph nodes of mice with varying susceptibility to Leishmania (L.) amazonensis.
  • To correlate ECM changes with parasite burden and host genetic background.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of ECM components (collagens, fibronectin, laminin) in susceptible (BALB/c), intermediate (C57BL/6), and resistant (DBA/2) mouse strains.
  • Histological examination of footpad lesions and draining lymph nodes using Sirius Red staining and polarized light microscopy.
  • Assessment of protein expression levels via immunohistochemistry.

Main Results:

  • Significant ECM alterations were primarily observed in susceptible BALB/c mice with high parasite loads and tissue damage.
  • Type I collagen predominated in early lesions across all strains, gradually replaced by type III collagen in chronic lesions.
  • Type III collagen appeared to support inflammatory cells, particularly parasitized macrophages.
  • Fibronectin expression decreased in infected areas, irrespective of mouse strain.
  • Laminin expression remained unchanged throughout the infection.

Conclusions:

  • Leishmania (L.) amazonensis infection induces significant ECM remodeling, particularly in susceptible hosts.
  • The shift from type I to type III collagen during chronic infection may influence the inflammatory microenvironment.
  • ECM changes, specifically fibronectin and laminin, are not solely dictated by host genetic susceptibility.
  • Further research into ECM's role could offer novel therapeutic targets for leishmaniasis.

More Related Videos

In vivo Imaging of Transgenic Leishmania Parasites in a Live Host09:53

In vivo Imaging of Transgenic Leishmania Parasites in a Live Host

Published on: July 27, 2010

Related Concept Videos

Leishmaniasis01:30

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a protozoal disease caused by species of the genus Leishmania and transmitted through the bite of infected female sandflies. The parasite exists in two principal morphological forms during its life cycle. A sandfly acquires intracellular amastigotes from an infected reservoir host, such as a dog. Within the sandfly, these forms differentiate into motile, flagellated promastigotes. During a subsequent blood meal, promastigotes are injected into the human host, where they...
Antiprotozoal Agents01:21

Antiprotozoal Agents

Leishmaniasis is a widespread parasitic disease caused by several Leishmania species. It affects millions of people each year and remains a major public health problem in endemic regions. First-line treatment relies on pentavalent antimonials, including meglumine antimoniate and sodium stibogluconate. Even so, how these drugs work has not been fully clear, especially their interaction with parasite-specific biochemical pathways. One key target is trypanothione reductase (TR), an enzyme that...
The Extracellular Matrix01:42

The Extracellular Matrix

In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.Composition of the Extracellular MatrixThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse molecules.
The Extracellular Matrix01:29

The Extracellular Matrix

Overview
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...