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Tumor necrosis factor in malaria-induced abortion
1Zoology Department, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT.
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) administration caused fetal death in malaria-infected pregnant mice. Endogenous TNF levels increased with high parasitemia and impending abortion, suggesting a role in pregnancy loss.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The precise mechanisms underlying fetal loss during malaria infections remain unclear.
- Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a key inflammatory cytokine implicated in various pathological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in malaria-induced fetal loss.
- To determine if TNF administration can induce fetal death in pregnant mice.
Main Methods:
- Administered intravenous doses of recombinant human TNF to pregnant mice infected with Plasmodium vinckei.
- Measured endogenous TNF levels in plasma of infected and uninfected pregnant mice at different gestational stages.
- Investigated TNF's effect in mice infected with Coxiella burneti extract.
Main Results:
- A low dose of recombinant human TNF induced fetal death and abortion in mice with low-density Plasmodium vinckei infections.
- Significantly elevated endogenous TNF levels were detected in malarial pregnant mice nearing abortion with high parasitemia.
- TNF administration also caused fetal death in mice exposed to Coxiella burneti extract.
Conclusions:
- Systemic administration of TNF can precipitate fetal loss in pregnant mice with specific infections.
- Elevated endogenous TNF during high parasitemia correlates with impending abortion in malaria.
- TNF-induced abortion may be a mechanism in various infections characterized by macrophage activation and TNF release.