Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis promotes increased mortality despite the reduction of parasitemia in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v10i1.11805

Keywords:

Nitric oxide; Malaria; Nitric oxide synthase; Oxidative stress.

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important mediator molecule in inflammatory processes, but its role in the pathophysiology of malaria is still uncertain. To investigate the NO synthesis inhibition on the oxidative changes induced by Plasmodium berghei infection in mice, malaria was induced in 150 animals, of which 75 animals were treated with the NO inhibitor L-NAME; the remaining animals were sham controls. All animals underwent euthanasia 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20 days after infection for the collection of lungs, brain, and blood. Parasitemia was determined, and the survival of the animals was evaluated. Tissue samples were assayed for nitrites and nitrates (NN), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and total Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). A histopathological study was performed. Mortality rates in the L-NAME group were always higher than those in the controls. In the brain, NN was lower in the L-NAME group. Parasitemia and its progression rate were greater in the control group. By the 5th day of infection, mice treated with L-NAME showed cerebral edema and interstitial pneumonia of greater intensity than controls. In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory and hemodynamic effects of NO surpass its pro-oxidant role in murine malaria.

Author Biographies

Aline da Silva Barbosa, Federal University of Pará

PhD student, Oxidative Stress Research Lab, Institute of Biological Sciences

Mayani Costa Ribeiro Temple, Federal University of Pará

MD, Oxidative Stress Research Lab, Institute of Biological Sciences

 

Everton Luiz Pompeu Varela, Federal University of Pará

PhD student, Oxidative Stress Research Lab, Institute of Biological Sciences

 

Antonio Rafael Quadros Gomes, Federal University of Pará

PhD student, Oxidative Stress Research Lab, Institute of Biological Sciences

Edvaldo Lima Silveira, Federal University of Pará

Professor, Oxidative Stress Research Lab, Institute of Biological Sciences

Eliete Pereira de Carvalho, Federal University of Pará

PhD student, Oxidative Stress Research Lab, Institute of Biological Sciences

Maria Fani Dolabela, Federal University of Pará

Professor, Institute of Health Sciences

 

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Published

13/01/2021

How to Cite

BARBOSA, A. da S. .; TEMPLE, M. C. R. .; VARELA, E. L. P. .; GOMES, A. R. Q. .; SILVEIRA, E. L. .; CARVALHO, E. P. de .; DOLABELA, M. F. .; PERCARIO, S. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis promotes increased mortality despite the reduction of parasitemia in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Research, Society and Development, [S. l.], v. 10, n. 1, p. e27810111805, 2021. DOI: 10.33448/rsd-v10i1.11805. Disponível em: https://rsdjournal.org/index.php/rsd/article/view/11805. Acesso em: 18 nov. 2024.

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Health Sciences