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Patterns of haemozoin accumulation in tissue
A D Sullivan1, I Ittarat, S R Meshnick
1Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor 48109, USA.
Parasitology
|March 1, 1996
Summary
A new fluorometric method quantifies malaria pigment (haemozoin) in blood and tissues. Haemozoin accumulates in tissues over time and may link to cerebral malaria pathology.
Area of Science:
- Malariology
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
Background:
- Haemozoin, a malaria pigment, is a byproduct of Plasmodium parasite digestion of hemoglobin.
- Accurate quantification of haemozoin is crucial for understanding malaria pathogenesis and parasite burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a sensitive fluorometric method for assaying haemozoin.
- To determine haemozoin content in blood and tissue samples from malaria-infected models.
- To investigate the accumulation patterns and tissue distribution of haemozoin during infection.
Main Methods:
- Development of a sensitive fluorometric assay for haemozoin.
- Quantification of haemozoin in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei infected samples.
- Analysis of haemozoin accumulation in liver, spleen, and brain tissues over time.
- Histological examination of pigment distribution in infected tissues.
Main Results:
- Quantified haemozoin levels in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei parasitized red blood cells.
- Demonstrated exponential accumulation of haemozoin in liver and spleen tissues up to 18 days post-infection.
- Observed predominant haemozoin accumulation in tissue monocytes.
- Found lower haemozoin levels in the brain, primarily within red blood cells, with higher levels in a cerebral malaria model.
Conclusions:
- The developed fluorometric method accurately quantifies haemozoin.
- Haemozoin levels increase with infection duration and accumulate in tissue monocytes.
- Haemozoin presence in the brain may be associated with cerebral malaria pathology.