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Published on: February 14, 2020
Gene expression in rabbit appendices infected with Eimeria coecicola
Mohamed A Dkhil1, Mostafa A Abdel-Maksoud, Saleh Al-Quraishy
1Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
Veterinary Parasitology
|December 14, 2011
Summary
Eimeria coecicola infection in rabbits causes significant economic losses. This study reveals that interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a key role in the rabbit appendix during infection, impacting injury and healing.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
- Rabbit Pathogen Research
Background:
- Eimeria coecicola infection, known as coccidiosis, causes substantial economic losses in rabbit farming.
- The appendix is identified as the primary site of Eimeria coecicola infection in rabbits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the gene expression changes in the rabbit appendix following Eimeria coecicola infection.
- To identify key molecular players, particularly cytokines, involved in the host response to Eimeria coecicola.
Main Methods:
- Oral infection of rabbits with Eimeria coecicola.
- Analysis of appendix tissue at peak oocyst shedding (day 7 post-infection).
- Gene expression profiling using whole rabbit genome microarray and quantitative real-time PCR.
Main Results:
- Significant upregulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA (approx. 50-fold) and downregulation of genes like DBP, SULT3A1, CRP, and glutathione-S transferase (approx. 13-fold).
- Increased appendix size, hemorrhage, and altered levels of nitrite/nitrate, malondialdehyde, catalase, and glutathione.
- Differential gene expression observed in genes related to antibody production.
Conclusions:
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a central mediator in the rabbit appendix during Eimeria coecicola infection.
- IL-6 likely contributes to pathological damage, host defense mechanisms, and tissue repair processes.
