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Erythrocyte oxidation in artificial Babesia gibsoni infection
1Department of Parasitology, Nippon Veterinary and Animal Science University, Tokyo, Japan.
Veterinary Parasitology
|May 1, 1996
Summary
Anti-erythrocyte antibodies (aEAb) in Babesia gibsoni infected dogs target oxidized red blood cells. The spleen is crucial for erythrocyte oxidation during infection.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Immunology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Anti-erythrocyte antibodies (aEAb) from Babesia gibsoni infection show in vitro preference for aged/oxidized erythrocytes.
- The in vivo significance of this binding characteristic requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of erythrocyte oxidation in dogs infected with Babesia gibsoni.
- To understand the in vivo implications of anti-erythrocyte antibody binding.
Main Methods:
- Artificially infected dogs were used to observe changes in erythrocyte oxidation.
- Methemoglobin concentration (metHb%) was measured as an indicator of erythrocyte oxidation.
- Comparisons were made between intact and splenectomized infected dogs.
Main Results:
- Artificial Babesia gibsoni infection increased methemoglobin percentage in intact dogs.
- Increased methemoglobin suggests aEAb plays a significant role in erythrocyte destruction in infected dogs.
- Splenectomized dogs showed higher parasitemia but no increase in methemoglobin percentage.
Conclusions:
- The spleen plays a critical role in erythrocyte oxidation in dogs infected with Babesia gibsoni.
- Findings suggest aEAb contributes to erythrocyte destruction, modulated by splenic function.