Endothelin-1 Treatment Induces an Experimental Cerebral Malaria–Like Syndrome in C57BL/6 Mice Infected with Plasmodium berghei NK65

Yuri C. Martins, Brandi D. Freeman, Oscar B. Akide Ndunge, Louis M. Weiss, Herbert B. Tanowitz, Mahalia S. Desruisseaux

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection of C57BL/6 mice is a widely used model of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM). By contrast, the nonneurotropic P. berghei NK65 (PbN) causes severe malarial disease in C57BL/6 mice but does not cause ECM. Previous studies suggest that endothelin-1 (ET-1) contributes to the pathogenesis of ECM. In this study, we characterize the role of ET-1 on ECM vascular dysfunction. Mice infected with 106 PbN-parasitized red blood cells were treated with either ET-1 or saline from 2 to 8 days postinfection (dpi). Plasmodium berghei ANKA–infected mice served as the positive control. ET-1–treated PbN-infected mice exhibited neurological signs, hypothermia, and behavioral alterations characteristic of ECM, dying 4 to 8 dpi. Parasitemia was not affected by ET-1 treatment. Saline-treated PbN-infected mice did not display ECM, surviving until 12 dpi. ET-1–treated PbN-infected mice displayed leukocyte adhesion to the vascular endothelia and petechial hemorrhages throughout the brain at 6 dpi. Intravital microscopic images demonstrated significant brain arteriolar vessel constriction, decreased functional capillary density, and increased blood-brain barrier permeability. These alterations were not present in either ET-1–treated uninfected or saline-treated PbN-infected mice. In summary, ET-1 treatment of PbN-infected mice induced an ECM-like syndrome, causing brain vasoconstriction, adherence of activated leukocytes in the cerebral microvasculature, and blood-brain barrier leakage, indicating that ET-1 is involved in the genesis of brain microvascular alterations that are the hallmark of ECM.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2957-2969
Number of pages13
JournalAmerican Journal of Pathology
Volume186
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2016

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine

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