Structural and Topographic Dynamics of Pulmonary Histopathology and Local Cytokine Profiles in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Conidia-Infected Mice
2011

Study of Lung Damage in Mice Infected with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

Sample size: 100 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Damaris Lopera, Tonny W. Naranjo, Oswaldo G. Cruz, Angela Restrepo, Luz Elena Cano, Henrique Leonel Lenzi

Primary Institution: Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia

Hypothesis

What are the histopathologic patterns and cytokine profiles during the course of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection in mice?

Conclusion

The study identified both classic and novel histopathologic and immunologic responses during the course of experimental paracoccidioidomycosis.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study defined five stages of lung damage during the infection.
  • Significant increases in various cytokines were observed shortly after infection.
  • Novel patterns of lung lesions were identified, including pseudotumoral masses.

Takeaway

Researchers studied mice infected with a fungus to see how their lungs changed over time. They found different stages of lung damage and changes in immune responses.

Methodology

Mice were infected with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis conidia and their lungs were analyzed at various time points for histopathologic and cytokine changes.

Limitations

The study was conducted in mice, which may not fully replicate human disease.

Participant Demographics

Male BALB/c mice, 6-7 weeks old.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pntd.0001232

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