Immunomodulatory actions of zinc and prolactin during the course of experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection

Abstract

The modulation of immune responses against the administration of pharmacologically active in animal models infected with Trypanosoma cruzi has contributed significantly in investigations of new therapies for Chagas disease. Zinc is a trace element of extreme importance for the maintenance of immune functions. Previous studies have demonstrated the stimulatory action of zinc on host immunity during experimental Chagas infection, potentiating the immune response generated against the parasite. Prolactin, besides exerting stimulatory action on immunity, is also capable of reducing the immunosuppressive effects of glucocorticoids. However, its possible influence on the development of Chagas disease has not been fully established. The present study aims to evaluate a possible synergistic effect immunostimulatory subsequent to the administration of zinc and prolactin in male Wistar rats infected with strain y T. cruzi, and thus demonstrate the relationship between the neuroendocrine system and the immune response involved in the evolution of Chagas disease, being investigated in the 7th, 14th, 21st and 60th days after infection using the following parameters: dosages of IL -2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, IFN-³ ± TNF-, and TGF-² for flow cytometric evaluation of the lymphocyte subpopulations CD4 + CD3 + T , CD3 + CD8 +, CD4 + CD25 + FoxP3 + Treg as well as markers CD11a, CD28, CD44, CD45RA, CD45RC, CD62L, CD69, CD80, CD86, CD161, RT1B; count peritoneal macrophages and splenic; production of nitric oxide, lymphoproliferation of splenocytes and thymocytes; corticosterone levels, blood parasitemia and cardiac histopathology. (AU)