Induction of mRNA for tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β in mice brain, spleen and liver in an animal model of Shigella-related seizures

Y. Nofech-Mozes, Y. Yuhas, E. Kaminsky, A. Weizman, S. Ashkenazi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The pathogenesis of neurological symptoms, the most common extraintestinal complication of childhood shigellosis, is unclear. To elucidate the mechanisms involved, we developed an animal model and demonstrated that TNFα and IL-1β play a role. Objectives: To determine whether TNFα and IL-1β genes are expressed in the brain following peripheral administration of Shigella dysenteriae 60R. Methods: Expression of mRNA for TNFα and IL-1β was examined in the brain structures (hypothalamus and hippocampus) and peripheral organs by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, at different time points after intraperitoneal injection of S. dysenteriae sonicate. Results: In our animal model of Shigella-related seizures, TNFα and IL-1β mRNA were induced in the brain, spleen and liver already 1 hour after injection of S. dysenteriae sonicate. The expression of TNFα and IL-1β mRNA in spleen, hippocampus and hypothalamus decreased after 6 h and increased again at 18 h post-injection. Conclusions: Local production of TNFα and IL-1β in the brain may be involved in the enhanced seizure response of mice after administration of S. dysenteriae. It is possible that intracerebral production of TNFα and IL-1β plays a role in neurological disturbances of human shigellosis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)86-90
Number of pages5
JournalIsrael Medical Association Journal
Volume2
Issue number2
StatePublished - 2000
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Animal model
  • Cytokines
  • Interleukin-1β
  • Seizures
  • Shigella
  • Tumor necrosis factor-α

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