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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
06:02
Microiontophoresis and Micromanipulation for Intravital Fluorescence Imaging of the Microcirculation
Published on: June 10, 2011
Manipulation of vascular function by blood flukes?
Akram Da'dara1, Patrick J Skelly
1Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Grafton,MA 01536, USA.
Blood Reviews
|May 6, 2011
Summary
Blood flukes (schistosomes) manipulate host vascular physiology through various molecules. Understanding these parasite mechanisms offers new avenues for anti-parasitic drugs and vascular dysfunction therapies.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Vascular Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Schistosomes are intravascular parasites affecting millions globally.
- These parasites interact with and potentially control host vascular physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms by which schistosomes influence local vascular physiology.
- To explore potential therapeutic targets for anti-parasitic drugs and vascular dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of schistosome interactions with host vascular systems.
- Analysis of schistosome-derived molecules affecting vasodilation and vasoconstriction.
- Assessment of nitric oxide, biogenic amine, and eicosanoid metabolism.
Main Results:
- Schistosomes utilize kallikrein-like proteins, biogenic amines (histamine, serotonin), and eicosanoids (PGD2, PGE2, LTB4, LTC4) to modulate vascular tone.
- Parasites can trigger host histamine release and import host serotonin.
- Nitric oxide metabolism, adenosine generation, and acetylcholine degradation by schistosomes also impact vascular function.
Conclusions:
- Schistosomes possess diverse metabolic strategies to control host vascular physiology.
- Further understanding of these processes can inform the development of novel anti-parasitic agents and treatments for vascular disorders.
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