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E-NTPDase and E-ADA activities in rats experimental infected by Cryptococcus neoformans
Maria Isabel de Azevedo1, Laerte Ferreiro2, Aleksandro S Da Silva3
1Laboratório de Micologia, Departamento de Patologia e Clinica Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
Cryptococcus neoformans infection in rats alters purinergic signaling enzymes, E-NTPDase and E-ADA. This occurs alongside a heightened inflammatory response, including elevated cytokines and immunoglobulins, and lung tissue damage.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungal pathogen causing cryptococcosis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Purinergic signaling, involving ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase) and ecto-adenosine deaminase (E-ADA), plays a role in immune responses.
- Understanding these enzymes' roles during infection is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Cryptococcus neoformans infection on E-NTPDase and E-ADA activities in rats.
- To correlate changes in purinergic enzyme activity with the host's inflammatory and immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of adult rats with Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii.
- Measurement of leukocyte counts, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IgM, and IgG levels.
- Assay of E-NTPDase and E-ADA activities in serum and lymphocytes at 10, 20, and 30 days post-infection.
Main Results:
- Infected rats showed significantly elevated IgG, IgM, TNF-α, and INF-γ levels compared to controls.
- E-NTPDase activity (ATP and ADP hydrolysis) in lymphocytes was significantly decreased post-infection.
- Serum E-ADA activity decreased, while lymphocyte E-ADA activity initially increased then decreased significantly post-infection.
Conclusions:
- Cryptococcus neoformans infection induces significant alterations in purinergic signaling pathways involving E-NTPDase and E-ADA in immunocompetent rats.
- These purinergic changes are concurrent with a robust inflammatory and immune response, including elevated cytokines and immunoglobulins.
- The study highlights the interplay between fungal infection, purinergic signaling, and host immune response, associated with lung pathology.
