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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Bioluminescence Imaging to Detect Late Stage Infection of African Trypanosomiasis
Published on: May 18, 2016
Magnetic resonance imaging to assess blood-brain barrier damage in murine trypanosomiasis
Jean Rodgers1, Christopher McCabe, George Gettinby
1Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom. Jean.Rodgers@glasgow.ac.uk
Abstract:
The ability of trypanosomes to invade the brain and induce an inflammatory reaction is well-recognized. This study uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in conjunction with a murine model of central nervous system (CNS) stage trypanosomiasis to investigate this phenomenon at the level of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Mice were scanned before and after administration of the contrast agent. Signal enhancement maps were generated, and the percentage signal change was calculated. The severity of the neuroinflammation was also assessed. Statistical analysis of the signal change data revealed a significantly (P = 0.028) higher signal enhancement in mice at 28 days post-infection (least squares mean = 26.709) compared with uninfected animals (6.298), indicating the presence of BBB impairment. Leukocytes were found in the meninges and perivascular space of some blood vessels in the infected mice. This study shows that the integrity of the BBB is compromised during CNS stage trypanosomiasis and that the impairment does not correlate with inflammatory cell infiltration.
Insights
Trypanosomes invading the brain cause blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairment during central nervous system (CNS) stage trypanosomiasis. This study used MRI to show BBB breakdown, even without significant inflammatory cell infiltration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Trypanosomes are known to invade the brain and trigger inflammation.
- Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in trypanosomiasis can lead to severe neurological complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity during CNS stage trypanosomiasis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- To assess the relationship between BBB impairment and neuroinflammation in a murine model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a murine model of CNS stage trypanosomiasis.
- Employed MRI with contrast agent administration to generate signal enhancement maps.
- Quantified percentage signal change to assess BBB permeability.
- Evaluated neuroinflammation severity and leukocyte infiltration.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher signal enhancement was observed in infected mice at 28 days post-infection compared to controls (P = 0.028).
- This indicates compromised BBB integrity during the CNS stage of the disease.
- Leukocytes were present in meninges and perivascular spaces, but BBB impairment did not correlate with inflammatory cell infiltration.
Conclusions:
- The integrity of the BBB is compromised during CNS stage trypanosomiasis.
- BBB dysfunction occurs independently of significant inflammatory cell infiltration in this model.
- MRI is a valuable tool for assessing BBB changes in experimental trypanosomiasis.
