Liver as a Major Site of Immunological Elimination of Murine TrypanosomeInfection, Demonstrated with the Liver Perfusion Model

摘要

The isolated liver perfusion model has been used to investigate immunologicalelimination of bacteria and yeasts but not for analysis of mechanisms of immunological destruction of extracellular parasitic protozoa. Extracellular trypanosomes are eliminated primarily through antibody (and complement)-promoted hepatic (Kupffer cell) uptake and destruction. We studied the suitability of the isolated liver model system for analyzing the mechanism of immune elimination of mouse-specific Trpanosama musculi and identified several factors which can complicate such analyses: (i) mechanical trapping of trypanosomes that are quite large (for example, reproducing forms or epimastigotes) or are nonviable and, therefore, nondeformable; (ii) variable species and concentrations of cytadhesive molecules; and (iii) the integrity and composition of the trypanosomal surface coat. There was a substantial difference between hepatic retention of infused T. musculi organisms coated with a specific antibody and those devoid of antibody when both were suspended in normal mouse serum. The difference appeared sufficient to allow accurate quantitative studies of immune destruction in the liver. Reprints. (JES)