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Hepatotrophic activity in mouse serum infected with plerocercoids of Spirometra erinacei
Abstract:
To investigate the mechanism by which liver weight increases during plerocercoid infections as well as the possible existence of a hepatocyte-growth-factor (HGF)-like substance in the serum of mice infected with Spirometra erinacei plerocercoids, liver DNA synthesis was measured in vivo and in vitro. Infection with S. erinacei plerocercoids significantly stimulated DNA synthesis in mouse parenchymal hepatocytes prior to the increase in liver weight, at least partly by stimulating the induction of the salvage pathways of pyrimidine biosynthesis. Furthermore, infected mouse serum directly stimulated DNA synthesis in cultured mouse parenchymal hepatocytes. These results suggest that an HGF-like substance is present in the serum of mice infected with S. erinacei plerocercoids.
Insights
Spirometra erinacei plerocercoid infections stimulate liver DNA synthesis in mice by inducing pyrimidine biosynthesis pathways. Infected mouse serum contains a hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-like substance that promotes liver cell growth.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Hepatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Plerocercoid infections, such as those caused by Spirometra erinacei, are known to cause liver enlargement.
- The precise mechanisms underlying this hepatomegaly and the role of growth factors remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism of liver weight increase during Spirometra erinacei plerocercoid infections.
- To investigate the presence of a hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-like substance in the serum of infected mice.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of liver DNA synthesis in vivo and in vitro in infected mice.
- Analysis of pyrimidine biosynthesis pathways in hepatocytes.
- Assessment of the direct effect of infected mouse serum on cultured hepatocytes.
Main Results:
- Spirometra erinacei plerocercoid infection significantly stimulated hepatocyte DNA synthesis before liver weight increase.
- The stimulation of DNA synthesis was partly mediated by the induction of pyrimidine biosynthesis salvage pathways.
- Serum from infected mice directly enhanced DNA synthesis in cultured mouse hepatocytes.
Conclusions:
- A hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-like substance is present in the serum of mice infected with Spirometra erinacei.
- This HGF-like substance likely contributes to the observed liver weight increase during plerocercoid infections.