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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Isolation and Analysis of Brain-sequestered Leukocytes from Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected Mice
Published on: January 2, 2013
Inflammatory changes in the central nervous system are associated with behavioral impairment in Plasmodium berghei
Norinne Lacerda-Queiroz1, David Henrique Rodrigues, Márcia Carvalho Vilela
1Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Abstract:
Experimental cerebral malaria is a neuroinflammatory condition that results from the host immune response to the parasite. Using intravital microscopy, we investigated leukocyte recruitment in the brain microcirculation and the temporal relationship of this process to the behavioral changes observed in Plasmodium berghei (strain ANKA)-infected C57Bl/6 mice. We found that leukocyte recruitment was increased from day 5 post-infection (p.i.) onwards. Histopathological changes and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines in the brain were also observed. Behavioral performance evaluated by the SHIRPA protocol showed functional impairment from day 6 p.i. onwards. Thus, early leukocyte migration into the brain and associated inflammatory changes may be involved in neurological impairment in parasite-infected C57Bl/6 mice.
Insights
Early brain leukocyte migration in experimental cerebral malaria correlates with neurological impairment. This study in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice reveals inflammatory changes and behavioral deficits starting around day 5 post-infection.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Experimental cerebral malaria is a neuroinflammatory disease.
- It arises from the host's immune response to malaria parasites.
- Understanding the early stages is crucial for addressing neurological complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate leukocyte recruitment in the brain's microcirculation.
- To determine the temporal link between leukocyte migration and behavioral changes.
- To explore the role of neuroinflammation in malaria-induced neurological impairment.
Main Methods:
- Intravital microscopy was used to observe leukocyte behavior in vivo.
- Plasmodium berghei (strain ANKA) infected C57Bl/6 mice were utilized.
- The SHIRPA protocol assessed behavioral performance.
Main Results:
- Leukocyte recruitment in the brain significantly increased from day 5 post-infection.
- Histopathological alterations and elevated inflammatory cytokines were detected in the brain.
- Functional impairment, assessed via the SHIRPA protocol, was evident from day 6 post-infection.
Conclusions:
- Early leukocyte migration into the brain microvasculature is a key feature of experimental cerebral malaria.
- Neuroinflammation and associated cellular changes appear to contribute to neurological deficits.
- These findings suggest a potential mechanism for parasite-induced brain dysfunction.
