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Phosphorus metabolites of liver from mice infected with Hymenolepis microstoma
B J Blackburn1, R J Buist, C Hudspeth
1Department of Chemistry, University of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Abstract:
31P NMR in vivo spectra of mouse livers infected with Hymenolepis microstoma for 130 or 265 days showed modifications in phosphorus-containing metabolite ratios when compared to those of normal liver. After 130 days of infection the metabolite ratio of inorganic phosphate (Pi)/beta ATP significantly increased whereas that of phosphocreatine (PCr)/beta ATP significantly decreased. In older, 265 day infections, the increase in Pi/beta ATP and decrease in PCr/beta ATP persisted. Changes in the group infected for 130 days were accompanied by lowered pH. Analysis of liver extracts from mice with 130-day-old. H. microstoma revealed significantly lower concentrations of Pi, ATP and ADP compounds. In those from mice infected for 265 days the concentration of Pi remained low whereas concentrations of ATP and ADP increased to levels in between those of controls and the 130-day-old infection. In addition, levels of phosphorylethanolamine (PE) and of an unknown metabolite significantly increased in this latter group. Worm extracts contained high levels of glycerophosphorylcholine (GPC), Pi, fructose 1,6-diphosphate (FDP), PE, diphosphodiesters (DPDE), phosphorylcholine (PC) and glycerolphosphorylethanolamine (GPE) in order of declining concentrations, respectively.
Insights
Hymenolepis microstoma infection alters mouse liver phosphorus metabolism. Key metabolite ratios change, with lower pH and altered energy compound levels observed in infected livers, indicating significant metabolic disruption.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- NMR Spectroscopy
- Parasitology
Background:
- Hymenolepis microstoma is a tapeworm parasite that infects rodents.
- Liver metabolism can be significantly altered by parasitic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo changes in phosphorus-containing metabolites in mouse livers infected with Hymenolepis microstoma using 31P NMR spectroscopy.
- To analyze the concentrations of specific metabolites in liver extracts from infected mice.
Main Methods:
- In vivo 31P NMR spectroscopy was performed on mouse livers infected with Hymenolepis microstoma for 130 and 265 days.
- Analysis of liver extracts was conducted to quantify specific phosphorus-containing compounds.
- Worm extracts were analyzed for their metabolite composition.
Main Results:
- Infected livers showed altered inorganic phosphate (Pi)/beta ATP and phosphocreatine (PCr)/beta ATP ratios compared to controls.
- Lowered pH and reduced concentrations of Pi, ATP, and ADP were observed in early infections (130 days).
- Later infections (265 days) showed persistent ratio changes, with increased phosphorylethanolamine (PE) and an unknown metabolite.
Conclusions:
- Hymenolepis microstoma infection induces significant alterations in hepatic phosphorus metabolism in mice.
- Metabolic changes include altered energy status, pH, and accumulation of specific metabolites like PE.
- The study highlights the impact of parasitic infection on host liver biochemistry.
