However, the presence and persistence of MMPs within the CSF are

However, the presence and persistence of MMPs within the CSF are characteristic of inflammation within the brain. The combined analyses of MMPs, TIMPs as well as cytokines are necessary to understand the pathogenesis of VL and to verify the exact role of MMPs in this disease. These issues are now the focus of our research group. This study was approved by the Institutional Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee (CEEA – Comissão de Ética e Experimentação Animal, UNESP, process number 05/06). This work was supported

by the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP, Grant number 05/60132). G. D. Melo was financed by FAPESP scientific initiation scholarship (Grant number 06/56724-3), SRT1720 in vivo as well as M. S. Souza (Grant number 08/57637-2). None of the authors of this paper has a financial or personal relationship with other people or organizations that could inappropriately influence or bias the content of the paper. “
“The present study evaluated the effect of nasally given Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 on the immunocoagulative response during pneumococcal infection in immunocompetent mice. In addition, we aimed to gain insight into the mechanism involved in the immunomodulatory effect of the L. rhamnosus CRL1505 strain by evaluating the role of TLR2. Results showed that nasally given L. rhamnosus CRL1505 effectively regulates inflammation

and hemostatic alterations during the pneumococcal infection. Immunobiotic Ferroptosis inhibitor clinical trial treatment significantly reduced permeability of the bronchoalveolar–capillary barrier, and

general cytotoxicity, decreasing lung tissue damage. The CRL1505 strain improved the production of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-10 after pneumococcal challenge. In addition, increased TM and TF expressions were found in lungs of L. rhamnosus CRL1505-treated mice. Moreover, we demonstrated, for the first time, that Oxalosuccinic acid the TLR2 signaling pathway has a role in the induction of IFN-γ and IL-10 and in the reduction of TF. The results also allow us to speculate that a PRR, other than TLR2, may mediate the immunobiotic activity of L. rhamnosus CRL1505 and could explain changes in TNF-α and TM. “
“Fourth Medical Department of Medicine, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria AFFiRiS AG, Karl-Farkas-Gasse 22, 1030 Vienna, Austria Baxter Innovations GmbH, Wagramerstrasse 17-19, 1220 Vienna, Austria The heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2 (hnRNP-A2) has been described as an important autoantigen in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) since it is targeted by autoantibodies, autoreactive T cells, and is aberrantly expressed in synovial cells in patients. To identify hnRNP-A2-specific T-cell epitopes possibly associated with pathogenicity, we used an innovative approach. We first scanned 280 overlapping hnRNP-A2 peptides for binding to the RA-associated class II molecules HLA-DR4 and HLA-DR1, leading to a comprehensive selection of binders.

Analysis of blood cells from injected mice showed that GA associa

Analysis of blood cells from injected mice showed that GA associated with a mononuclear CD11bhi cell population (Fig. 1A, left panels). This association was specific for GA, because Alexa488-OVA

did not DMXAA bind to these cells. Alexa488 staining on CD11bhi cells was also observed when GA-Alexa488 was injected into MHC class II–deficient mice (Fig. 1A, right panels), showing that MHC class II was not necessary for targeting of GA to these cells in vivo. Further characterization of the cell surface markers on GA+ cells from both wild-type and MHC class II–deficient mice identified them as F4/80lo/Ly6G−, consistent with a monocyte phenotype (Fig. 1B and data not shown). GA-Alexa488+ monocytes were observed within 20 min of GA administration, and >95% monocytes were GA+ after 3–6 h (Fig. 1C). Taken together, our findings showed that GA rapidly and specifically targets blood monocytes after intravenous administration. Previous work in our group has shown that naïve blood CD11bhi F4/80lo Ly6G− cells exhibit the capacity to suppress T cell proliferation in vitro [15]. In this study,

co-culture with blood monocytes from naïve mice also suppressed T cells stimulated with anti-CD3/anti-CD28-coated selleck chemicals llc beads, and this effect was enhanced in monocytes isolated from mice that had been treated with GA (Fig. 2A). GA-treated monocytes also exhibited enhanced suppression of antigen-specific proliferation of CD4 T cells Lck (Fig. 2B). To determine whether intravenous GA treatment could suppress T cell proliferation in vivo, CFSE-labelled, MOG-specific TCR transgenic CD4 T cells were adoptively transferred into

CD45.1+ congenic mice. T cells were transferred in the presence of either MOG35–55 alone or MOG35–55 and GA, and 2–4 days later, in vivo T cell proliferation was measured by flow cytometry. As shown in Fig. 2C, in vivo T cell proliferation was reduced in GA-treated mice in comparison with mice injected with MOG35–55 alone. Taken together, these findings showed that intravenous GA treatment greatly delayed T cell proliferation in vivo, which is likely due to the enhanced capability of blood monocytes to suppress antigen-specific T cell proliferation. Subcutaneous administration of GA is commonly used for MS treatment and has been shown to suppress EAE [7]. To address the question of whether suppression of pathogenic T cell proliferation by monocytes was also contributing to the efficacy of subcutaneous GA treatment, we adopted a co-immunization model of EAE treatment modified from Gilgun-Sherki et al. [22]. Mice were injected subcutaneously with a CFA emulsion containing combinations of the disease-causing MOG35–55 peptide and GA. To investigate antigen-specific T cell expansion, CFSE-labelled MOG-specific TCR transgenic cells were adoptively transferred into congenic mice, and the recipients immunized with CFA+MOG35–55 peptide with or without GA. As shown in Fig.

Evidence suggests that the level of TCR mispairing is also affect

Evidence suggests that the level of TCR mispairing is also affected by the variable region of the endogenous TCR chains (Fig. 3).12 An additional approach to prevent TCR mispairing, as demonstrated by Voss et al.,26 was the identification and inversion of a pair of specifically interacting amino acids in the TCR-α and TCR-β constant-domain interface. Mutational inversion of these two amino acids changed a ‘knob-into-hole’ configuration into a charged ‘hole-into-knob’ configuration and by so doing increased the preferential pairing of the transduced mutated TCRs. This approach was effective in both human and murine TCR gene-transfer

systems. An alternative method to completely abolish TCR mispairing is the development of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), which consist of a single chain Fv fused to CD3 signalling elements. However, the functional activity of CARs is dependent on Fluorouracil nmr the sensitivity of the signalling elements, which in some constructs contain additional costimulatory molecules and/or cytokines. Early buy C59 wnt research with CAR-expressing T cells suggested that they were less sensitive to peptide than T cells expressing αβ TCR heterodimers.27,28 It is possible that the described modified TCRs will be immunogenic in an immunocompetent

host, resulting in reduced persistence or elimination of the transduced T cells. Whilst the lymphodepleting regimens currently used before adoptive T-cell transfer are likely to permit T-cell engraftment, it is still necessary to consider strategies to minimize the possible immunogenicity of the modified TCRs. An alternative and novel method of eliminating TCR mispairing is to transduce TCR-αβ genes into γδ T cells. Using this system, T cells must either be transduced with CD8 or CD4 co-receptor independent TCRs, or TCRs and co-receptors must be co-transferred together. These TCR-transduced γδ T cells demonstrate peptide-specific lysis and cytokine release in vitro and also peptide-specific proliferation, persistence and recall responses in vivo.29–31 Achieving

T cells with a high functional avidity is one of the major Non-specific serine/threonine protein kinase challenges in current TCR gene-therapy protocols. One means of attaining T cells capable of recognizing and effectively killing tumour cells is to confer the manipulated T cells with TCRs with a high affinity. As the majority of currently available tumour-associated antigens (TAAs) are self-antigens that are expressed at elevated levels in tumours, T cells expressing high-affinity TCRs to tumour antigens may be deleted in the thymus or rendered unresponsive by central or peripheral tolerance. As a result, TAA-specific T cells identifiable within the autologous repertoire are often of low frequency and low-to-moderate functional avidity.

Brain Tumors is an attempt to cover the entire scope of central n

Brain Tumors is an attempt to cover the entire scope of central nervous system malignancy (with a few exceptions) LY2157299 in vitro and will, as the preface states, offer the beginner or relatively inexperienced pathologist an opportunity to review the basics and see some of the rarer entities. The descriptions of the histology are succinct with the diagnostic features nicely illustrated by the accompanying micrographs. In each case the thought process leading to each diagnosis is clearly reviewed and the utility of immunohistochemical markers

and special stains are elaborated upon, with their role in ruling out alternative diagnoses clearly explained. The format of the text is easily accessible with a user-friendly layout, and the consistency of presentation Trametinib supplier means that the relevant information is easily located at a glance. It is not in the same league as some other textbooks on the histopathology of brain tumours, such as the WHO classification and the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) fascicle on tumours of the central nervous system. It

does not cover intra-operative diagnoses or detailed information on the genetics of brain tumours, although ultrastructural features are briefly covered in some of the chapters where relevant. As such

it will not provide the sort of detailed information that a specialist neuropathologist may need to access. However, in fairness, this is not a claim that the authors make and although each entity is covered, in most cases, in only two to three pages, the amount of information that the authors are able to provide is impressive. Indeed even the more experienced neuropathologist is likely to find the description and differential diagnosis of the rarer entities useful on those occasions that they face them as part of their daily practice. In summary Brain Tumors certainly delivers what it promises to its intended target audience. Tacrolimus (FK506) It will provide those at the start of their careers in diagnostic neuropathology or general pathologists who occasionally dabble in diagnostic neuropathology with a well thought out, practical and easily accessible resource which covers the whole range of brain tumours in an easy to read textbook. The well-organized layout, the short but informative reviews of each diagnostic entity and the good quality micrographs justify a competitively placed price of $140.

Liao et al 23 compared the improvement of immunopathological find

Liao et al.23 compared the improvement of immunopathological findings between prednisolone phosphate (PSL)-liposome and ordinary PSL treatment of IgA nephropathy in ddY mice. Immunopathological studies were performed to determine whether glomerular injuries in ddY mice are influenced by treatment with a newly developed liposome loaded with PSL (PSL-liposome). The synthesized novel cationic lipid 3,6-dipentadeciroxy-1-amizino-benzene (TRX-20) was buy Luminespib employed to obtain selective affinity to the anionic cell surface and ECM in glomerular mesangial lesions. ddY mice were treated i.v. with 1.0 mg/kg bodyweight of PSL-liposome once a week from 45–61 weeks of age. ddY

mice were also i.v. treated with 1.0 mg/kg bodyweight of ordinary PSL once a week. In an immunofluorescence study, mean intensity of IgA and C3 depositions in glomeruli of PSL-liposome-treated ddY mice were markedly decreased when compared with those of ordinary PSL-treated

and untreated control ddY mice. Glomerular mesangial expansion in PSL-liposome-treated ddY mice was less marked than that in ordinary PSL-treated ddY mice or untreated control ddY mice. It appears that treatment with PSL-liposome is effective in improving glomerular IgA and C3 depositions and glomerular expansion in IgA nephropathy of ddY mice. Immunopathological studies were performed to determine whether glomerular injuries in ddY mice are influenced by treatment with a monoclonal antibody (mAb) to murine CD4 molecules.24 The ddY mice were initially treated with DOCK10 i.v. injections, followed by weekly i.p. injections of mAb CD4. Flow cytometry showed that there AZD1208 research buy was a marked decrease in the number of CD4+ T cells. In immunofluorescent study, the mean intensity of IgA deposits in the glomerular mesangial areas and capillary walls of treated ddY mice was significantly lower than that in saline-treated control ddY mice of comparable age. Glomerular mesangial expansion in the treated ddY mice was milder than that in the same control ddY mice. However, no significant differences in the levels of serum

IgA, urinary protein excretion and average number of intraglomerular cells were observed between the treated and control ddY mice. It appears that although CD4+ T cells control the amount of IgA deposits in glomeruli, other factors may be involved in the evolution of IgA nephropathy in ddY mice. A previous report demonstrated that in a patient with IgA nephropathy and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, BMT resulted not only in remission of leukaemia but also in remission of IgA nephropathy.25 Imasawa et al.26 also reported that BMT from normal mice attenuated glomerular lesions in a murine model of IgA nephropathy, HIGA mice, while the glomerular lesion associated with IgA deposition was reconstituted in normal recipient mice after BMT from HIGA mice. These findings indicated that IgA nephropathy may involve disorders of stem cells.

Previous immunity to DENV is a major risk factor for developing s

Previous immunity to DENV is a major risk factor for developing severe dengue disease in humans.23 A small reliable animal model that supports functional human innate and adaptive immune responses that will further our knowledge of protective and pathological immune responses to dengue virus is therefore clearly important. Researchers have detected measurable signs of dengue disease after infection of cord-blood-engrafted NSG mice with virulent low-passage clinical strains of DENV-2.13,16 However, robust human anti-DENV adaptive immune responses were not thoroughly assessed in those studies.

BGB324 We have shown DENV-specific HLA-A2-restricted T-cell function and modest antibody responses in cord blood HSC-engrafted NSG mice.14 The main objective of the current study was to determine whether we can detect improved adaptive immune responses to primary DENV infection in BLT-NSG mice. Here we show HLA-A2-restricted T-cell responses to multiple non-structural proteins in BLT-NSG mice at frequencies similar to those detected

in humans. We show heightened antibody responses in BLT-NSG mice compared with cord blood HSC-engrafted mice. Furthermore, B cells maintained long-term in immunized BLT-NSG mice were able to secrete DENV-specific neutralizing antibodies. We have not assessed germinal centre formation or somatic hypermutation LY294002 of immunoglobulin genes in B cells from BLT-NSG mice; therefore it is unclear whether these B cells can be considered bona fide memory B cells. We and others have noted that levels of haematolymphoid engraftment in BLT-NSG mice are DNA ligase increased compared with levels in cord blood HSC-engrafted NSG mice.24–26 Humanized mice have demonstrated some evidence of human adaptive immune responses to Epstein–Barr virus infection, toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 and HIV infection.17,18,27,28 Human T cells are educated on autologous human thymic tissue in the BLT-NSG mice, so we speculated that DENV-specific T cells restricted by multiple

HLA alleles expressed by the donor should develop in the mice following infection. We therefore used overlapping peptide pools that encompass the entire genome to assess the breadth, magnitude and quality of DENV-specific T-cell responses. Our results demonstrate that non-structural proteins are the predominant targets of CD8 T cells. These findings are similar to findings in humans,29–31 further validating BLT-NSG mice as an animal model that can be used to measure human T-cell responses to DENV during acute infection and in memory. We detected elevated serum IgM responses, which persist for several weeks in DENV-infected BLT-NSG mice during acute infection. Furthermore, B cells obtained from splenocytes of BLT-NSG mice immunized several weeks earlier were able to secrete DENV-specific antibodies capable of neutralizing DENV infectivity in vitro.

Chemokine-mediated signalling results in phosphorylation of CD11b

Chemokine-mediated signalling results in phosphorylation of CD11b/CD18, which in turn induce Y 27632 a conformational alteration of CD11b in the domain associated with binding sites for intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), fibrinogen and the complement cleavage fragment iC3b [9]. Phosphorylation of CD11b/CD18 is thought to alter the affinity towards the different ligands [10], and this could be one potential mechanism by which various CD11b-mediated effector functions are regulated. The dermal inflammatory reaction can be studied in vivo by use of the skin chamber method that was established

in the 1960s [11, 12]. In this method, cutaneous wounds are induced by suction and gentle heating, and epidermis is removed. The capillary network in dermis is then exposed to inflammatory stimuli such as autologous serum [2], salt buffers [13] or zymosan-activated autologous serum [3]. Complement component 5a (C5a) and IL-8 are crucial in the early inflammatory response [1, 3, 14]. The kinetics of inflammatory mediators produced in a skin chamber exposed to 70% autologous serum was published by Kuhns et al. [2].

However, Crizotinib solubility dmso the combined activities of the endogenously produced mediators on the physiological aspects of neutrophil function are essentially unknown. Given the mediator composition of the inflammatory milieu a critical role in tuning the local immune response, the aim of this study was to delineate the impact of endogenous mediators, produced in vivo in the skin chamber, on neutrophil CD11b Amino acid activation. Study population.  Analysis of the skin chamber fluid included 18 healthy study subjects, six women and 12 men, with a median age of 61 (54–64) years. Analysis of CD11b expression on in vivo extravasated neutrophils included additionally five study subjects, four women and one man, 43 (33–57) years old. In vitro analysis of the biological effects of chamber fluid included blood samples from six healthy blood donors, aged

between 18 and 65 years. The study was conducted in accordance with an approval from the ethical committee at the Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, and all study subjects gave informed consent. The skin chamber method.  Two to five skin blisters were raised on the forearm by vacuum and heating as previously described [15]. From the five study subjects enrolled for analysis of CD11b, samples were collected directly from the original skin blister, approximately 14 h after formation of the blisters and without application of the skin chamber. In the 18 study subjects enrolled for studying the inflammatory milieu, the epidermal roofs were removed after approximately 14 h, skin chambers were mounted over the wounds and were filled with 100% autologous serum and incubated for another 10 h.

Specimens were prepared as previously described (Kathju et al , 2

Specimens were prepared as previously described (Kathju et al., 2009). Briefly, tissues aseptically harvested at surgery were placed in Hanks balanced salt solution (HBSS) and placed on wet ice, directly after removal. After rinsing in HBSS (to remove unattached bacteria)

and blotting on sterile paper, specimens were mounted on the bottom of a 35-mm Petri plate on partially solidified agar. Specimens were stained for viability assessment using Molecular Probes BacLight Live/Dead kit (Molecular Probes, Eugene, OR). The BacLight kit consists of two nucleic acid stains, Syto9 (green), which enters all bacteria, and propidium iodide (red), which can only enter bacteria with porous cell walls. Propidium iodide reduces the Syto9 fluorescence so that live bacteria appear green, whereas dead or Ibrutinib order damaged cells appear red. The nuclei of human cells also take up these nucleic acid stains and initially appear green, but rapidly (within minutes) turn red; they are readily distinguished from bacteria on the basis of size and morphology. Fully hydrated specimens were then imaged by confocal microscopy (CM) with a Leica DM RXE upright microscope attached to a TCS SP2 AOBS confocal system (Leica Microsystems, Exton, PA) using either a 20× air objective or a 63× long-working distance

water immersion objective. Live (green) and ‘dead’ (red) bacteria were imaged using 488- and 594-nm lasers. Examination of the patient’s tissues at the time of surgery revealed that in both buttocks, the patient had developed a coalescent network of crypt-like structures that in places contained loculated Selleckchem NVP-AUY922 fluid collections and in other places gave egress to a draining sinus. The extent of the involvement exceeded 15 cm bilaterally in the cephalad/caudal direction, and ifoxetine more but seemingly disconnected lesions were visible in the perineum (and groins). The size of the collapsed cryptic spaces was sufficient so that, when stretched to open, the lumen could admit a full forefinger. The surface of the crypt/sinus cavities was pink

and glistening, with a frankly mucinous and slippery feel. Portions of these surfaces were sent for confocal microscopic examination (as well as standard histology and microbiology). Intraoperative culture returned positive for group B Streptococci, diphtheroids and a few anaerobic Gram-negative rods. Confocal results are shown in Fig. 1c–f. In multiple specimens, communities of viable bacteria could be seen attached to the luminal surface of the crypt/sinus structures, consistent with the existence of biofilm (Fig. 1c and d). High-magnification images of these clusters revealed both viable (green) and nonviable (red) bacteria in intimate association, also consistent with an evolving biofilm picture. Bacteria with rod and coccal morphology were observed, consistent with clinical microbiology (Fig. 1e and f).

Necrosis and kidney damage were assessed with H&E-stained kidney

Necrosis and kidney damage were assessed with H&E-stained kidney tissue 24 h after transplantation. Acute tubular necrosis score (ATN) was decreased significantly in the immunosuppressive treatment group compared with the control group (4 ± 0·63

in control; rapamycin 2·2 ± 0·41; FK506 2 ± 0·63; rapamycin + FK506 1·2 ± 0·41; P < 0·001 versus control; Fig. 2a). Figure 2b NVP-BGJ398 shows a representative image of H&E stain for the evaluation of renal injury in each treatment group. The use of rapamycin plus tacrolimus (group 4) was associated with a lower level of acute tubular necrosis (ATN) compared with rapamycin alone (P < 0·05), but no statistical difference was observed in comparison with tacrolimus. Also, the number of apoptotic nuclei in renal medulla was determined as evidence of kidney injury. In the control group, the number of TUNEL-positive cells was higher compared with the immunosuppressive treatment groups (control: 138·7 ± 24·8; rapamycin: 22·3 ± 4·5; FK506: 54·8 ± 8·3 and rapamycin + FK506: 17·5 ± 5; P < 0·001 versus control, Fig. 3a and b). As normal kidney control, the number of positive apoptotic nuclei in sham animals was lower than 6/mm2 located only in deep medullary epithelial tubules (data not shown). The use of rapamycin alone or rapamycin plus tacrolimus showed a lower number of apoptotic nuclei cells with respect to

tacrolimus treatment (P < 0·05 and P < 0·01, respectively). Finally, a statistically significant difference in the expression of Bcl2 was detected in AZD8055 kidney tissue by immunohistochemistry. In accordance with our previous results, Bcl2 levels in the control group were lower than in the immunosuppressive treatment group (control: 1·8 ± 0·5; rapamycin: 16·01 ± 4; FK506: Metalloexopeptidase 9 ± 2·6 and rapamycin + FK506: 6 ± 1·25; P < 0·01 and P < 0·05 versus control, respectively)

(Fig. 3c). These results suggest that preconditioning of the donor with rapamycin and tacrolimus or a combination of both is associated with lower kidney damage after transplantation. In order to determine if the immunosuppressive treatment affected the complement function, the C3 levels in recipient animals were assessed. C3 plasma values in immunosuppressive treatment were significantly lower than control group levels (control: 495 ± 94 pg/ml; rapamycin: 166·7 ± 57·1 pg/ml; FK506: 165 ± 66·3 pg/ml and rapamycin + FK506: 103·3 ± 33·3.; P < 0·001 versus control, Fig. 4a). No differences were found among the various immunosuppressive treatment groups (P > 0·05). In addition, the local expression of C3 within the grafts was analysed. Immunohistochemical analysis of graft tissue 24 h after transplantation revealed that local expression of C3 was higher in the control group compared with the immunosuppressive treatment group (control: 53·98 ± 4·5; rapamycin: 10·62 ± 3·2; FK506: 2·27 ± 0·7 and rapamycin + FK506: 1·58 ± 0·54.

Cytokine levels were evaluated in culture supernatants collected

Cytokine levels were evaluated in culture supernatants collected 72 h later by ELISA according to the manufacturer’s instructions (R & D Systems; Minneapolis, MN, USA). ELISA sensitivity for IFN-γ and IL-10 was selleck kinase inhibitor 19 and 31 pg/mL, respectively. Data were expressed as mean ± SD. Comparisons between groups were made by Student’s

t-test for parameters with normal distribution and by Mann–Whitney test for parameters with nonnormal distribution. Statistical analysis was accomplished with SigmaStat for Windows v 3·5 (Systat Software Inc, San Jose, CA, USA). Parasite eggs were detected in the faeces for the first time at day 6 of infection. Maximal egg number (42 300 EPG) was observed at day 8 post-infection and this period was referred to as acute phase. A second peak (21 300 EPG) was also observed at 11 days post-infection. From this period on, the egg number decreased steadily until day 21 when EPG varied from 0 to 100 (Figure 1a). This very low level of infection was detected until day 32 and was considered the recovery phase. As expected, a significantly

higher number of parthenogenetic females was recovered at the acute phase in comparison with that of the recovery period (Figure 1b). Differences in antibody specific levels, eosinophil counts and cytokine production were observed by comparing these two phases. IgG1 (Figure 1c) and IgG2b (Figure 1d) specific levels were significantly higher in the acute phase compared with that in the noninfected buy Fulvestrant control group. Production of specific IgG1 significantly increased during the recovery phase, whereas IgG2b levels remained similar to the levels reached during the acute phase. Total IgE was significantly more elevated in infected animals in comparison with that in the control ones in both the acute and recovery phases (Figure 1e). However, a significantly increased IgE level was observed at the recovery period comparing with that in the acute phase. Acute phase was also characterized by a significant increase in blood eosinophils (control = 0·02 × 106/mL

(±0·04 × 106/mL), infected = 0·24 × 106/mL (±0·16 × 106/mL), P < 0·05). IFN-γ induced by Con A or S. venezuelensis L3 antigen stimulation was evaluated in spleen cell cultures. IFN-γ levels stimulated Thymidine kinase by Con A were lower in infected animals, in both the acute and recovery phases (Figure 2b,f). However, a significant decrease was observed in splenic cell cultures during the recovery phase (Figure 2f). Specific stimulation with S. venezuelensis L3 antigen did not induce IFN-γ production by lymph node cells from the acute and recovery phases (data not shown). However, significantly higher levels of this cytokine were detected in splenic cell cultures during the acute phase (Figure 2a). Interestingly, IFN-γ concentration decreased to basal levels during the recovery phase (data not shown). Only cultures from lymph node cells showed differences in IL-10 production between infected and normal rats.