title: Ehrlichia canis (Jaboticabal strain) induces the expression of TNF-α in leukocytes and splenocytes of experimentally infected dogs.
abstract: Canine ehrlichiosis is caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia canis and is characterized by a systemic febrile disease of unknown pathogenesis. This study evaluated the expression of cytokines TNF-α, IL-10, IFN-γ, in splenic cells and blood leukocytes during the acute phase of ehrlichiosis and after treatment with doxycycline hyclate in dogs experimentally infected with the E. canis Jaboticabal strain. The study results showed a significant expression of TNF-α 18 days post-inoculation, reducing by approximately 70% after treatment. There was a unique peak of expression of IL-10 and IFN-γ 18 and 30 days post-inoculation, respectively. This study suggests that TNF-α plays a role in the pathogenesis of the acute phase of canine ehrlichiosis and that treatment with doxycycline hyclate reduces the systemic effects of this cytokine, possibly by reducing or eliminating parasitemia.
authors: Universidade de Uberaba, Brazil.
authors: Joice Lara Maia
authors: JL
authors: Faria
authors: Thiago Demarchi
authors: TD
authors: Munhoz
authors: Carolina Franchi
authors: CF
authors: João
authors: Giovanny
authors: G
authors: Vargas-Hernández
authors: Marcos Rogério
authors: MR
authors: André
authors: Wanderson Adriano Biscola
authors: WA
authors: Pereira
authors: Rosângela Zacarias
authors: RZ
authors: Machado
authors: Mirela
authors: M
authors: Tinucci-Costa
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D004285:Dogs; D041061:Ehrlichia canis / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D016873:Ehrlichiosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000662:veterinary*; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000096:biosynthesis*
chemical_list: D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha