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Frigerio ED, Guizelini CDC, Jussiani GG, Março KS, de Melo GD, Watanabe TTN, Machado GF. Lymphocytic hypophysitis in dogs infected with Leishmania spp. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1208919. [PMID: 37781278 PMCID: PMC10537919 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1208919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Morphological involvement of endocrine glands, such as the pituitary gland, remain uninvestigated in dogs with canine visceral leishmaniasis. Therefore, this study investigated the presence of amastigotes of Leishmania spp. and characterized inflammatory changes, highlighting the involvement of TCD3+ lymphocytes in different regions of the pituitary gland of dogs. Methods Samples were collected from 21 naturally infected dogs and 5 control, uninfected dogs. The different pituitary regions were analyzed in histological sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) under light microscopy. Inflammation was classified by intensity in a score from 0 to 3, absent (0), mild (1), moderate (2), and marked (3). The immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation was performed in five high-power fields (hot spot) in a 40x objective of each region with manual counting (Image J1.52ª) of the TCD3+ lymphocytes and for amastigotes analyzed in 40x and 100x objectives. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the normality of the data. Differences between groups were determined by the Mann Whitney test. The correlation between variables was assessed by Sperman's correlation test. p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Amastigotes from the pituitary glands of two infected dogs were identified using IHC. The histopathological evaluation stained with hematoxylin and eosin showed greater intensity of inflammation in the pars distalis and pars intermedia regions of infected dogs. IHC for TCD3+ lymphocytes showed a higher median number of immunolabeled cells in pars nervosa in the infected group than in the control group (p < 0.05); and expecting a variation in the distribution and number of these cells in naturally infected dogs, the median of the control group was considered a cut-off point, an increase in T lymphocytes (p < 0.05) was also observed in the pars intermedia and pars distalis of an infected subgroup (n = 10). A moderate significant correlation between the intensity of inflammation and the number of immunolabeled TCD3+ lymphocytes was established in the analyzed pituitary regions, characterizing the occurrence of hypophysitis. Conclusion These findings presuppose that inflammation and/or the parasite in the pituitary region can result in gland dysfunction, worsening the clinical condition of the patient and compromising the efficiency of treatment and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edenilson Doná Frigerio
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, Surgery and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Araçatuba, Brazil
| | - Cecilia de Castro Guizelini
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, Surgery and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Araçatuba, Brazil
| | - Giulia Gonçalves Jussiani
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, Surgery and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Araçatuba, Brazil
| | - Karen Santos Março
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, Surgery and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Araçatuba, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Dias de Melo
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Lyssavirus Epidemiology and Neuropathology Unit, Paris, France
| | - Tatiane Terumi Negrão Watanabe
- Department Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Gisele Fabrino Machado
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, Surgery and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Araçatuba, Brazil
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Silva JEDS, Jussiani GG, Grano FG, Pelissari MCC, de Melo GD, Negrão Watanabe TT, de Lima VF, Machado GF. Increased CCL-5 (RANTES) Gene Expression in the Choroid Plexus of Dogs with Canine Leishmaniosis. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2060. [PMID: 37443858 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Visceral canine leishmaniasis (CanL) can cause several clinical manifestations, including neurological lesions. Few reports have characterized the lesions observed in the central nervous system (CNS) during CanL; however, its pathogenesis remains unclear. The choroid plexus (CP) is a specialized structure responsible for the production and secretion of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and considered an interface between the peripheral immune system and CNS. It can allow the passage of inflammatory cells or pathogens and has the potential to act as a source of inflammatory mediators in several diseases. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the role of CP as a possible route of inflammatory cells in the development of brain lesions in dogs with CanL, as well as its association with blood-CSF barrier (BCSFB) dysfunction. Samples were collected from 19 dogs that were naturally infected with CanL. We evaluated the histopathological lesions in the brain and investigated the gene expression of the cytokines. Capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to evaluate the presence of the same cytokines in the CSF. Biochemical analysis was performed to compare the presence of albumin in the serum and CSF. Indirect ELISA was performed to measure the presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies in the CSF, which would suggest the disruption of the BCSFB. Histopathological evaluation of the dogs' brains revealed mild-to-severe inflammatory infiltrates, mainly in the CP and meninges. We also detected the presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies and albumin in the CSF, as well as Leishmania DNA in the CP. The gene expression of CCL-5 was increased in the CP of infected dogs compared with that of controls, and there was a tendency for the increase in the gene expression of CXCL-10. Thus, our findings confirm the disfunction of the BCSFB during CanL and suggest that the chemokines CCL-5 and CXCL-10 can be responsible for the recruitment of inflammatory cells found in CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Eduardo Dos Santos Silva
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Araçatuba (FMVA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), R. Clóvis Pestana, 793, Dona Amélia, Araçatuba 16050-680, SP, Brazil
| | - Giulia Gonçalves Jussiani
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Araçatuba (FMVA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), R. Clóvis Pestana, 793, Dona Amélia, Araçatuba 16050-680, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Grecco Grano
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Araçatuba (FMVA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), R. Clóvis Pestana, 793, Dona Amélia, Araçatuba 16050-680, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Cecília Clarindo Pelissari
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Araçatuba (FMVA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), R. Clóvis Pestana, 793, Dona Amélia, Araçatuba 16050-680, SP, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Dias de Melo
- Lyssavirus Epidemiology and Neuropathology Unit, Intitut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Tatiane Terumi Negrão Watanabe
- Department Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
- Antech Diagnostics, 12401 West Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Valéria Felix de Lima
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Araçatuba (FMVA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), R. Clóvis Pestana, 793, Dona Amélia, Araçatuba 16050-680, SP, Brazil
| | - Gisele Fabrino Machado
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Araçatuba (FMVA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), R. Clóvis Pestana, 793, Dona Amélia, Araçatuba 16050-680, SP, Brazil
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Boos GS, Failing K, Colodel EM, Driemeier D, de Castro MB, Bassuino DM, Diomedes Barbosa J, Herden C. Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein and Ionized Calcium-Binding Adapter Molecule 1 Immunostaining Score for the Central Nervous System of Horses With Non-suppurative Encephalitis and Encephalopathies. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:660022. [PMID: 34307520 PMCID: PMC8299206 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.660022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Like humans, horses are susceptible to neurotropic and neuroinvasive pathogens that are not always readily identified in histological sections. Instead, alterations in astrocytes and microglia cells can be used as pathological hallmarks of injured nervous tissue in a variety of infectious and degenerative diseases. On the other hand, equine glial cell alterations are poorly characterized in diseases. Therefore, in this study, we provide a statistically proved score system to classify astrogliosis and microgliosis in the central nervous system (CNS) of horses, based on morphological and quantitative analyses of 35 equine cases of encephalitis and/or encephalopathies and four non-altered CNS as controls. For this system, we used glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) immunohistochemistry, allied to statistical analysis to confirm that the scores were correctly designated. The scores of alterations ranged from 0 (non-altered) to 3 (severely altered) and provided a helpful method for describing astrocytic and microglial alterations in horses suffering from inflammatory and degenerative lesions. This system could be a template for comparative studies in other animal species and could aid algorithms designed for artificial intelligence methods lacking a defined morphological pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele Silva Boos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Gießen, Germany
| | - Klaus Failing
- Unit of Biomathematics and Data Processing, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Gießen, Germany
| | - Edson Moleta Colodel
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Brazil
| | - David Driemeier
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - José Diomedes Barbosa
- Veterinary Diagnostics Center, Veterinary Institute, Universidade Federal do Pará, Castanhal, Brazil
| | - Christiane Herden
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Gießen, Germany
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Figarella K, Wolburg H, Garaschuk O, Duszenko M. Microglia in neuropathology caused by protozoan parasites. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2019; 95:333-349. [PMID: 31682077 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) is the most severe consequence of some parasitic infections. Protozoal infections comprise a group of diseases that together affect billions of people worldwide and, according to the World Health Organization, are responsible for more than 500000 deaths annually. They include African and American trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, malaria, toxoplasmosis, and amoebiasis. Mechanisms underlying invasion of the brain parenchyma by protozoa are not well understood and may depend on parasite nature: a vascular invasion route is most common. Immunosuppression favors parasite invasion into the CNS and therefore the host immune response plays a pivotal role in the development of a neuropathology in these infectious diseases. In the brain, microglia are the resident immune cells active in defense against pathogens that target the CNS. Beside their direct role in innate immunity, they also play a principal role in coordinating the trafficking and recruitment of other immune cells from the periphery to the CNS. Despite their evident involvement in the neuropathology of protozoan infections, little attention has given to microglia-parasite interactions. This review describes the most prominent features of microglial cells and protozoan parasites and summarizes the most recent information regarding the reaction of microglial cells to parasitic infections. We highlight the involvement of the periphery-brain axis and emphasize possible scenarios for microglia-parasite interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Figarella
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Neurophysiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hartwig Wolburg
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Olga Garaschuk
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Neurophysiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Duszenko
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Neurophysiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Leishmania hide-and-seek: Parasite amastigotes in the choroid plexus of a dog with neurological signs in an endemic municipality in Brazil. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2019; 17:100291. [PMID: 31303241 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A female adult mixed-breed stray dog presented with hind limb paraparesis and clinical signs of visceral leishmaniasis. The cerebrospinal fluid presented signs of blood-brain barrier disruption. Both spleen and brain were positive for Leishmania spp. DNA. Besides inflammation, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed the presence of intracellular amastigotes in the choroid plexus (CP). Despite other studies that revealed parasite DNA, the current study describes the presence of Leishmania within the brain of a naturally infected dog, specifically in CP, with no previous reports in the Americas, and suggests the CP as a possible pathway to parasite entry into the brain.
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Maia C, Campino L. Biomarkers Associated With Leishmania infantum Exposure, Infection, and Disease in Dogs. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:302. [PMID: 30237985 PMCID: PMC6136405 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a vector-borne disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum species [syn. L. (L.) infantum chagasi species in the Americas] which is transmitted by the bite of a female phlebotomine sand fly. This parasitosis is endemic and affect millions of dogs in Asia, the Americas and the Mediterranean basin. Domestic dogs are the main hosts and the main reservoir hosts for human zoonotic leishmaniosis. The outcome of infection is a consequence of intricate interactions between the protozoan and the immunological and genetic background of the host. Clinical manifestations can range from subclinical infection to very severe disease. Early detection of infected dogs, their close surveillance and treatment are essential to control the dissemination of the parasite among other dogs, being also a pivotal element for the control of human zoonotic leishmaniosis. Hence, the identification of biomarkers for the confirmation of Leishmania infection, disease and determination of an appropriate treatment would represent an important tool to assist clinicians in diagnosis, monitoring and in giving a realistic prognosis to subclinical infected and sick dogs. Here, we review the recent advances in the identification of Leishmania infantum biomarkers, focusing on those related to parasite exposure, susceptibility to infection and disease development. Markers related to the pathogenesis of the disease and to monitoring the evolution of leishmaniosis and treatment outcome are also summarized. Data emphasizes the complexity of parasite-host interactions and that a single biomarker cannot be used alone for CanL diagnosis or prognosis. Nevertheless, results are encouraging and future research to explore the potential clinical application of biomarkers is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Lenea Campino
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
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7
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Macau WL, Cortez de Sá J, da Silva APDC, Rocha AL, Mondêgo-Oliveira R, de Andrade FHE, Cunha CM, Calabrese KDS, Abreu-Silva AL. Main lesions in the central nervous system of dogs due to Leishmania infantum infection. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:255. [PMID: 28821261 PMCID: PMC5563018 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1174-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is endemic in São Luís Maranhão/Brazil and it leads a varied clinical picture, including neurological signs. Results Histopathological evaluation showed that 14 dogs exhibited pathological alterations in at least one of the analyzed areas. Of these, mononuclear inflammatory reaction was the most frequent, although other lesions, such as hemorrhage, chromatolysis and gliosis were also observed. The presence of L. infantum amastigotes was confirmed in eight dogs, identified in four regions: telencephalon, hippocampus, thalamus and caudal colliculus, but only one presented neurological signs. Polymerase chain reaction results detected the DNA of the parasite in 11 samples from seven dogs. The positive areas were the telencephalon, thalamus, hippocampus, cerebellum, caudal and rostral colliculus. Conclusion These results reveal that during canine visceral leishmaniasis, the central nervous system may display some alterations, without necessarily exhibiting clinical neurological manifestations. In addition, the L. infantum parasite has the ability to cross the blood brain barrier and penetrate the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weline Lopes Macau
- Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luis, MA, CEP 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Joicy Cortez de Sá
- Medicine Coordination, Universidade CEUMA, São Luís, MA, CEP 65055-000, Brazil
| | | | - Alessandra Lima Rocha
- Department of Pathology, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, CEP 65055-000, Brazil
| | - Renata Mondêgo-Oliveira
- Department of Pathology, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, CEP 65055-000, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Ana Lucia Abreu-Silva
- Department of Pathology, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, CEP 65055-000, Brazil.
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Melo GD, Goyard S, Fiette L, Boissonnas A, Combadiere C, Machado GF, Minoprio P, Lang T. Unveiling Cerebral Leishmaniasis: parasites and brain inflammation in Leishmania donovani infected mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8454. [PMID: 28814754 PMCID: PMC5559479 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09085-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a systemic disease with multifaceted clinical manifestations, including neurological signs, however, the involvement of the nervous system during VL is underestimated. Accordingly, we investigated both brain infection and inflammation in a mouse model of VL. Using bioluminescent Leishmania donovani and real-time 2D-3D imaging tools, we strikingly detected live parasites in the brain, where we observed a compartmentalized dual-phased inflammation pattern: an early phase during the first two weeks post-infection, with the prompt arrival of neutrophils and Ly6Chigh macrophages in an environment presenting a variety of pro-inflammatory mediators (IFN-γ, IL-1β, CXCL-10/CXCR-3, CCL-7/CCR-2), but with an intense anti-inflammatory response, led by IL-10; and a re-inflammation phase three months later, extremely pro-inflammatory, with novel upregulation of mediators, including IL-1β, TNF-α and MMP-9. These new data give support and corroborate previous studies connecting human and canine VL with neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier disruption, and conclusively place the brain among the organs affected by this parasite. Altogether, our results provide convincing evidences that Leishmania donovani indeed infects and inflames the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme D Melo
- Institut Pasteur, Laboratoire des Processus Infectieux à Trypanosomatidés, Département Infection et Epidémiologie, 25-28 rue du Dr Roux, 75724, Cedex 15, Paris, France
- UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Patologia Aplicada (LApap), Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, 16050-680, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sophie Goyard
- Institut Pasteur, Laboratoire des Processus Infectieux à Trypanosomatidés, Département Infection et Epidémiologie, 25-28 rue du Dr Roux, 75724, Cedex 15, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Centre d'Innovation et Recherche Technologique, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Fiette
- Institut Pasteur, Unité d'Histopathologie Humaine et Modèles Animaux, Département Infection et Epidémiologie, 25-28 rue du Dr Roux, 75724, CEDEX 15, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Boissonnas
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Inserm, UMR 1135, CNRS, ERL 8255, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), 91 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Combadiere
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Inserm, UMR 1135, CNRS, ERL 8255, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), 91 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Gisele F Machado
- UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Patologia Aplicada (LApap), Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, 16050-680, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paola Minoprio
- Institut Pasteur, Laboratoire des Processus Infectieux à Trypanosomatidés, Département Infection et Epidémiologie, 25-28 rue du Dr Roux, 75724, Cedex 15, Paris, France
| | - Thierry Lang
- Institut Pasteur, Laboratoire des Processus Infectieux à Trypanosomatidés, Département Infection et Epidémiologie, 25-28 rue du Dr Roux, 75724, Cedex 15, Paris, France.
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Giannuzzi AP, Ricciardi M, De Simone A, Gernone F. Neurological manifestations in dogs naturally infected by Leishmania infantum: descriptions of 10 cases and a review of the literature. J Small Anim Pract 2017; 58:125-138. [PMID: 28267216 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In order to evaluate possible nervous system involvement in canine leishmaniasis, retrospective evaluation of all medical records of leishmaniotic dogs exhibiting neurological signs referred to our hospital over a 5-year period was performed. The records of 10 dogs were reviewed. Depending on the neuroanatomical localisation, the dogs underwent advanced diagnostic imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, electrodiagnostic testing and histopathologic evaluations. The final neurological diagnosis was: meningoencephalitis (n=2), brain haemorrhagic stroke (n=1), haemorrhagic choroiditis (n=1), meningomyelitis (n=2), ischaemic myelopathy (n=1), polymyositis (n=2) and peripheral neuropathy (n=1). This study confirms that both central and peripheral nervous systems can be affected by leishmaniasis and provides an overview on the possible etiopathogenetic mechanisms. In addition, clinical and diagnostic findings, therapy and follow-up of affected dogs are described.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Ricciardi
- Pingry Veterinary Hospital, Bari, 70126, Italy
| | - A De Simone
- Pingry Veterinary Hospital, Bari, 70126, Italy
| | - F Gernone
- Pingry Veterinary Hospital, Bari, 70126, Italy
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10
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Mesquita LP, Hora AS, de Siqueira A, Salvagni FA, Brandão PE, Maiorka PC. Glial response in the central nervous system of cats with feline infectious peritonitis. J Feline Med Surg 2016; 18:1023-1030. [PMID: 26581471 PMCID: PMC11112239 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x15615906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to evaluate central nervous system (CNS) lesions in non-effusive and effusive cases of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) regarding aspects related to astrocytic and microglial reactions. METHODS Five necropsied cats that were naturally infected with FIP virus, confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, with different intensities of CNS lesions, were studied. Brain and cerebellum were evaluated by light microscopy and immunohistochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin to assess astrocytic morphology, and lectin histochemistry for Ricinus communis agglutinin-I (RCA-I) to detect microglia was performed to evaluate the glial response in the CNS of cats with FIP. RESULTS An important astrocytic response in many areas of the CNS of all cats, including the periventricular areas of lateral ventricles and fourth ventricle, the molecular layer of the cerebellum and cerebral cortex, was visualized. This astrocytic reactivity was associated with areas of granulomatous or pyogranulomatous vasculitis/perivasculitis in most cases, and it was characterized by multifocal to coalescing astrocytosis and astrogliosis with an increase in the expression of intermediate filaments, such as GFAP. However, astrocytes exhibited strong vimentin expression in neuroparenchyma with severe inflammatory and necrotic changes, but GFAP expression was mild or absent in these cases. A microglial response was present only in severe lesions, and RCA-I expression was detected primarily in gitter cells and resting microglia. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The present study indicates a strong astrocytic response, including the presence of many less differentiated vimentin-positive astrocytes and gitter cells positive for RCA-1 in severe lesions in the CNS of cats with FIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo P Mesquita
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline S Hora
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriana de Siqueira
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda A Salvagni
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo E Brandão
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo C Maiorka
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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11
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T lymphocyte immunophenotypes in the cerebrospinal fluid of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis. Vet Parasitol 2016; 232:12-20. [PMID: 27890077 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a disease causing several clinical manifestations in dogs, including neurological disorders. Nevertheless, there are few studies related to the evaluation of the brain alterations during VL. Evidences of the involvement of cerebral barriers in infected dogs was reported, including the presence of brain inflammatory infiltrate, with a predominance of CD3+ T cells. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the immunophenotypes of T lymphocytes in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), as well as in peripheral blood, and to correlate with brain alterations in dogs with VL. We detected elevated percentages of double negative (DN) and double positive (DP) T cells in the CSF, with a predominance of TCRαb. In the histopathological analysis, we observed a predominance of lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, mainly in leptomeninges, ranging from mild to intense, and we observed a positive correlation between the intensity of inflammation in the subependymal area and the DN T cells of the CSF. Thus, the DN T cells seem be acting as villains of the immune system through pro-inflammatory mechanisms. Further, the proportion of the different population of CSF T cells did not differ from those observed in the blood, which provides us with more evidence of blood-CSF barrier breakdown. Together, the results provide more explanation to the inflammation observed in the brain of dogs with VL, which the DN T cells contribute to the origin and progression of the neurological disease. This study provides insight into the immunophenotypes of T lymphocytes in the CSF during canine visceral leishmaniasis.
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Melo GD, Grano FG, Silva JES, Kremer BE, Lima VMF, Machado GF. Blood-brain barrier disruption during spontaneous canine visceral leishmaniasis. Parasite Immunol 2016; 37:635-45. [PMID: 26434684 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a complex disease caused by Leishmania infantum, and in dogs, besides the classical symptoms, there are descriptions of inflammatory alterations in the brain. Brain inflammation is a strictly controlled process, and as the brain counts on the efficiency of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), we aimed to assess BBB integrity in dogs with spontaneous visceral leishmaniasis. Therefore, we evaluated markers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and in brain tissue related to BBB disruption and brain inflammation. Elevated albumin quota revealed BBB breakdown, corroborated by increased concentrations of anti-Leishmania antibodies in the CSF. In the brain, albumin and IgG staining formed halos around blood vessels, a classical indicator of BBB leakage. Soluble IgG was also detected in the choroid plexus and ependyma, and in these structures, IgG stained random resident cells. IgG(+) cells and Fcγ-RI(+) cells were identified in the choroid plexus, ependyma and perivascular in the brain parenchyma. The data support the occurrence of BBB disruption in dogs with spontaneous visceral leishmaniasis, and IgG as a key molecule that is capable of initiating and/or maintaining the inflammatory stimuli in the nervous milieu and the CSF as an important disseminator of inflammatory stimuli within the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- G D Melo
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Patologia Aplicada (LApap), UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - F G Grano
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Patologia Aplicada (LApap), UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - J E S Silva
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Patologia Aplicada (LApap), UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - B E Kremer
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Patologia Aplicada (LApap), UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - V M F Lima
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Imunologia, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - G F Machado
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Patologia Aplicada (LApap), UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
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Maia CSF, Monteiro MC, Gavioli EC, Oliveira FR, Oliveira GB, Romão PRT. Neurological disease in human and canine leishmaniasis--clinical features and immunopathogenesis. Parasite Immunol 2015; 37:385-93. [PMID: 25983042 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vectorborne disease caused by Leishmania protozoa, which is a major health problem and a neglected disease common in many regions of the world. Leishmania is an intracellular parasite transmitted by sand flies that causes clinical manifestations ranging from a severe and potentially fatal disease named visceral leishmaniasis to less severe but in many cases disfiguring diseases that mainly affect the skin or mucosal tissues, known as cutaneous leishmaniasis. Despite the detection of Leishmania parasites in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid of human patients and dogs, epidemiological data, as well as information about the mechanisms of central and peripheral nervous system alterations, are poorly described. This review is focused on the current knowledge about the neurological manifestations and immunopathogenic mechanisms in human patients and animals infected with Leishmania.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S F Maia
- Pharmaceutical Science Post-graduation Program, Federal University of Pará, Pará, Brazil.,Neuroscience and Cellular Biology Post-graduation Program, Health Science Institute, Federal University of Pará, Pará, Brazil
| | - M C Monteiro
- Pharmaceutical Science Post-graduation Program, Federal University of Pará, Pará, Brazil.,Neuroscience and Cellular Biology Post-graduation Program, Health Science Institute, Federal University of Pará, Pará, Brazil
| | - E C Gavioli
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - F R Oliveira
- Neuroscience and Cellular Biology Post-graduation Program, Health Science Institute, Federal University of Pará, Pará, Brazil
| | - G B Oliveira
- Neuroscience and Cellular Biology Post-graduation Program, Health Science Institute, Federal University of Pará, Pará, Brazil
| | - P R T Romão
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Melo GD, Silva JES, Grano FG, Souza MS, Machado GF. Leishmania infection and neuroinflammation: Specific chemokine profile and absence of parasites in the brain of naturally-infected dogs. J Neuroimmunol 2015; 289:21-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Grano FG, Melo GD, Belinchón-Lorenzo S, Gómez-Nieto LC, Machado GF. First detection of Leishmania infantum DNA within the brain of naturally infected dogs. Vet Parasitol 2014; 204:376-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 04/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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In vitro cytokines profile and ultrastructural changes of microglia and macrophages following interaction with Leishmania. Parasitology 2014; 141:1052-63. [PMID: 24717447 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182014000274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we assessed morphological changes and cytokine production after in vitro interaction with causative agents of American cutaneous leishmaniasis and compared the microglia and macrophage immune responses. Cultures of microglia and macrophages infected with stationary-phase promastigotes of Leishmania (Viannia) shawi, Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis or Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis were evaluated 24, 48 and 72 h after interaction. Macrophages only presented the classical phagocytic process while microglia also displayed large cytoplasmic projections similar to the ruffles described in macropinocytosis. In the macrophage cultures, the percentage of infected cells increased over time, in a fashion that was dependent on the parasite species. In contrast, in microglial cells as the culture time progressed, there was a significant reduction in the percentage of infected cells independent of parasite species. Measurements of cytokines in macrophage cultures 48 h after interactions revealed distinct expression patterns for different parasites, whereas in microglial cultures they were similar for all Leishmania tested species. Taken together, our results suggest that microglia may have a higher phagocytic ability and cytotoxic potential than macrophages for all investigated species. The robust response of microglia against all parasite species may suggest microglia have an important role in the defence against cerebral leishmaniasis.
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Sakamoto KP, de Melo GD, Machado GF. T and B lymphocytes in the brains of dogs with concomitant seropositivity to three pathogenic protozoans: Leishmania chagasi, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. BMC Res Notes 2013; 6:226. [PMID: 23758819 PMCID: PMC3701587 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-6-226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis is a disease with great variability regarding the clinical manifestations in humans and dogs. Chronically infected dogs may develop neurological disorders, however, there are few reports that characterize the lesions and make clear the pathogenesis of the canine cerebral leishmaniasis. Concomitant with Leishmania chagasi, dogs may be infected by opportunistic pathogens, such as Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum, which may contribute to the occurrence of lesions in the central nervous system. Hence, we aimed to compare the T and B lymphocytes population in the brains of infected dogs with seropositivity to L. chagasi, T. gondii and N. caninum concurrently (n = 24), seropositivity only to L. chagasi (n = 31), and seropositivity to T. gondii and N. caninum (n = 16). Uninfected dogs were used as control (n = 10). RESULTS Inflammatory lesions, characterised by mononuclear cell accumulation, composed mainly of CD3+ T lymphocytes predominated in several encephalic regions of the dogs from all the three infected groups, with no difference among them (P = 0.0004), whereas CD79α+ B lymphocytes were detected in very small intensity and presented no difference among groups (P = 0.5313). Furthermore, no association among diseases was detected at the serological enquire. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that the peripheral infection by L. chagasi per se can promote the influx of lymphocytes within the nervous milieu as occurs during Toxoplasma and Neospora infections, and the concomitant seropositivity against these pathogens does not exacerbate the inflammatory brain lesions. Therefore, these findings give additional support that the brain should be included in the list of organs affected by visceral leishmaniasis and that even asymptomatic infected dogs may develop brain lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keila Priscilla Sakamoto
- Laboratory of Applied Pathology (LAPAP), College of Veterinary Medicine, UNESP – Univ Estadual Paulista, Rua Clóvis Pestana, 739, CEP 16050-680, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Dias de Melo
- Laboratory of Applied Pathology (LAPAP), College of Veterinary Medicine, UNESP – Univ Estadual Paulista, Rua Clóvis Pestana, 739, CEP 16050-680, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele Fabrino Machado
- Laboratory of Applied Pathology (LAPAP), College of Veterinary Medicine, UNESP – Univ Estadual Paulista, Rua Clóvis Pestana, 739, CEP 16050-680, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
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Pereira RS, Schweigert A, Dias de Melo G, Fernandes FV, Sueiro FAR, Machado GF. Ki-67 labeling in canine perianal glands neoplasms: a novel approach for immunohistological diagnostic and prognostic. BMC Vet Res 2013; 9:83. [PMID: 23601191 PMCID: PMC3639849 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-9-83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The antibody Ki-67 is a reliable and easy tool to accurately assess the growth fraction of neoplasms in humans and animals, and it has been used to predict the clinical outcome. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the immunohistochemical expression pattern of Ki-67 in normal and neoplastic perianal glands of dogs to evaluate the possible use of this proliferation marker as an ancillary method of perianal tumor diagnosis. We studied 42 cases of perianal gland neoplasms including adenomas (n = 15), epitheliomas (n = 15), and carcinomas (n = 12). As controls, 13 tissue samples from normal perianal glands were used. A Ki-67 index was established by a computer-assisted image analysis and compared with manual counting. Results Out of the 42 cases of perianal gland neoplasms, 34 were from males and eight from females. Recurrence was reported in 14 cases, being higher (8/12) in carcinomas. Immunostaining for Ki-67 revealed that the carcinomas showed a higher proliferation rate (9.87%) compared to groups of epitheliomas (2.66%) and adenomas (0.36%). For adenomas and epitheliomas of the perianal glands the computer-assisted counting and the manual counting gave similar results; however, only the computer-assisted image analysis was efficient to predict the perianal gland carcinoma recurrence. Conclusion Since there were significant differences in the number of Ki-67-positive nuclei, this marker proved to be effective in helping the classification of perianal gland neoplasms and to refine the diagnosis criteria, especially in those samples with high variation in morphology/area. Also, higher Ki-67 index is related to recurrence in cases of perianal gland carcinomas. Further, the computer-assisted image analysis proved to be a fast and reliable method to assess the Ki-67 index in perianal gland neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Storti Pereira
- UNESP – Univ Estadual Paulista, College of Veterinary Medicine Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
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Machado GF, Melo GD, Souza MS, Machado AA, Migliolo DS, Moraes OC, Nunes CM, Ribeiro ES. Zymographic patterns of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the CSF and cerebellum of dogs with subacute distemper leukoencephalitis. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2013; 154:68-74. [PMID: 23639293 PMCID: PMC7127742 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2013.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2012] [Revised: 03/31/2013] [Accepted: 04/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Distemper leukoencephalitis is a disease caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV) infection. It is a demyelinating disease affecting mainly the white matter of the cerebellum and areas adjacent to the fourth ventricle; the enzymes of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) group, especially MMP-2 and MMP-9 have a key role in the myelin basic protein fragmentation and in demyelination, as well as in leukocyte traffic into the nervous milieu. To evaluate the involvement of MMPs during subacute distemper leukoencephalitis, we measured the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 by zymography in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and in the cerebellum of 14 dogs naturally infected with CDV and 10 uninfected dogs. The infected dogs presented high levels of pro-MMP-2 in the CSF and elevated levels of pro-MMP-2 and pro-MMP-9 in the cerebellar tissue. Active MMP-2 was detected in the CSF of some infected dogs. As active MMP-2 and MMP-9 are required for cellular migration across the blood-brain barrier and any interference between MMPs and their inhibitors may result in an amplification of demyelination, this study gives additional support to the involvement of MMPs during subacute distemper leukoencephalitis and suggests that MMP-2 and MMP-9 may take part in the brain inflammatory changes of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele F Machado
- Department of Animal Clinics, Surgery and Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Melo GD, Seraguci TF, Schweigert A, Silva JES, Grano FG, Peiró JR, Lima VMF, Machado GF. Pro-inflammatory cytokines predominate in the brains of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis: a natural model of neuroinflammation during systemic parasitic infection. Vet Parasitol 2012. [PMID: 23207017 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a multisystemic zoonotic disease that can manifest with several symptoms, including neurological disorders. To investigate the pathogenesis of brain alterations occurring during visceral leishmaniasis infection, the expression of the cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40, IFN-γ, TGF-β and TNF-α and their correlations with peripheral parasite load were evaluated in the brains of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum. IL-1β, IFN-γ and TNF-α were noticeably up-regulated, and IL-10, TGF-β and IL-12p40 were down-regulated in the brains of infected dogs. Expression levels did not correlate with parasite load suggestive that the brain alterations are due to the host's immune response regardless of the phase of the disease. These data indicate the presence of a pro-inflammatory status in the nervous milieu of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis especially because IL-1β and TNF-α are considered key factors for the initiation, maintenance and persistence of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme D Melo
- UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, College of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
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Melo GD, Marcondes M, Machado GF. Canine cerebral leishmaniasis: Potential role of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in the development of neurological disease. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2012; 148:260-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2012.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2011] [Revised: 04/27/2012] [Accepted: 05/04/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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