Increased leishmanicidal activity of alveolar macrophages from mature horses with mild equine asthma

D.A.B Lessa,E.M Saraiva,M.F.M Costa,W.R Fernandes,N.X Alencar,R.A Torres Filho

doi:10.1590/1678-4162-10708

Abstract

ABSTRACT Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are an essential part of defense mechanisms within the lungs and their phagocytic activity is important for organ homeostasis. The phagocytic ability of AMs obtained from bronchoalveolar lavage from 17 mature mixed-breed pleasure horses (8 healthy and 9 diagnosed with mild equine asthma) was studied through assays with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis promastigotes, which enabled the calculation of a phagocytic index (PI) and a survival index (SI). Results indicate that phagocytic activity of AMs in asthma affected horses is similar to healthy horses, while leishmanicidal activity is significantly increased in horses with asthma.

Highlights

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are the front line of cellular defense against respiratory pathogens and inhaled particles in the lungs (Karagianni et al, 2013)
Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis preferentially infects macrophages and the direct relationship between leishmanicidal activity and macrophage activation state is well known in murine macrophages in Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis infection models (Evans et al, 1993, Assreuy et al, 1994 e Mukbel et al, 2007, Giudice et al, 2012, Ghosh et al, 2014)
In order to investigate alveolar macrophage activation status in horses diagnosed with mild asthma, AMs collected from the airways of healthy and affected horses were cultivated with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and their ability to phagocytize and kill the parasites was compared

Summary

Introduction

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are the front line of cellular defense against respiratory pathogens and inhaled particles in the lungs (Karagianni et al, 2013). In order to investigate alveolar macrophage activation status in horses diagnosed with mild asthma, AMs collected from the airways of healthy and affected horses were cultivated with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and their ability to phagocytize and kill the parasites was compared. The number of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and the percentage of AMs adhered/phagocytosed to parasite were determined by counting 200 cells in duplicate cultures.

Results

Conclusion