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Relationship between neutrophil infiltration and tissue eosinophilia in the rat
R M Cook1, N R Musgrove, H Smith
1Beecham Pharmaceuticals Research Division, Epsom, Surrey, UK.
Abstract:
Infection of rats with the parasite Mesocestoides corti increased the numbers of neutrophils, eosinophils and mononuclear cells in the blood. These peaked 11 days after infection and had declined to control levels by day 24. Increased number of eosinophils and mononuclear cells were also present in the peritoneal cavities of rats 24 days after infection. These gradually declined to reach control values by day 81. Intraperitoneal administration of glycogen to uninfected rats and to rats that had been infected for 24 and 81 days caused a transient increase in blood neutrophil numbers, maximal at 4 h. Although glycogen increased the numbers of neutrophils in the peritoneal cavities of uninfected animals and animals infected for 81 days, it did not increase the number of peritoneal neutrophils in rats that had been infected 24 days earlier. These results suggest that neutrophil infiltration can be impaired in animals undergoing an inflammatory response characterized by increased numbers of eosinophils.
Insights
Infection with Mesocestoides corti parasite increases immune cells in rats. Neutrophil infiltration into the peritoneum is impaired during this parasitic infection, suggesting a compromised inflammatory response.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Parasitic infections trigger complex immune responses.
- Understanding immune cell dynamics is crucial for host defense.
- Mesocestoides corti is a model parasite for studying host-pathogen interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Mesocestoides corti infection on circulating and peritoneal immune cell populations in rats.
- To examine the effect of parasitic infection on neutrophil recruitment to the peritoneal cavity in response to glycogen challenge.
Main Methods:
- Rats were infected with Mesocestoides corti.
- Blood and peritoneal lavage fluid were collected at various time points post-infection.
- Immune cell counts (neutrophils, eosinophils, mononuclear cells) were determined.
- Glycogen was administered intraperitoneally to assess neutrophil chemotaxis.
Main Results:
- Mesocestoides corti infection led to a significant increase in blood neutrophils, eosinophils, and mononuclear cells, peaking at day 11.
- Elevated eosinophils and mononuclear cells were observed in the peritoneal cavity up to day 81 post-infection.
- Glycogen induced transient neutrophilia in blood.
- Peritoneal neutrophil recruitment following glycogen challenge was impaired in rats infected for 24 days, but not 81 days.
Conclusions:
- Mesocestoides corti infection alters host immune cell profiles.
- Neutrophil infiltration into the peritoneal cavity is suppressed during a specific phase of this parasitic infection.
- The findings suggest that the inflammatory response, particularly neutrophil recruitment, can be impaired in the presence of eosinophil-driven inflammation.