title: Modulation of inflammation response to murine cutaneous Leishmaniasis by homeopathic medicines: Antimonium crudum 30cH.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease caused by protozoan parasites of the mononuclear phagocytic system. The modulation activity of these cells can interfere in the host/parasite relationship and influences the prognosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  We evaluated the effects of the homeopathic preparation Antimonium crudum 30cH on experimental infection induced by Leishmania (L.) amazonensis. Male Balb/c mice were inoculated with 2 × 10(6)Leishmania (L.) amazonensis promastigotes into the footpad and, after 48 h (acute phase) or 60 days (chronic phase), cell population of lymphocytes and phagocytes present in the peritoneal washing fluid and spleen were analyzed by flow cytometry and histopathology, with histometry of the subcutaneous primary lesion, local lymph node and spleen. Immunohistochemistry was performed to quantify CD3 (T lymphocyte), CD45RA (B lymphocyte) and CD11b (phagocytes) positive cells.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In treated mice, during the acute phase, there was significant increase of the macroscopic lesion, associated to inflammatory edema, as well increase in the number of free amastigotes and B lymphocytes inside the lesion. Increase of B lymphocytes (predominantly B-2 cells) was also seen in the local lymph node, spleen and peritoneum. In the chronic phase, the inflammatory process in the infection focus was reduced, with reduced phagocyte migration and peritoneal increase of B-1a cells (precursors of B-2 immunoglobulin producers cells) and T CD8+ cells.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The treatment of mice with Antimonium crudum 30cH induced a predominantly B cell pattern of immune response in Leishmania (L.) amazonensis experimental infection, alongside the increase of free amastigote forms number in the infection site. The clinical significance of this study is discussed, further studies are suggested.
authors.affiliation: Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Research Center of University Paulista, Rua Dr Bacelar, 1212 - 4th Floor, 04026-002 São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Fabiana
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rodrigues de Santana
authors.affiliation: Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Research Center of University Paulista, Rua Dr Bacelar, 1212 - 4th Floor, 04026-002 São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, University of Santo Amaro, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Cidéli
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: de Paula Coelho
authors.affiliation: Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Research Center of University Paulista, Rua Dr Bacelar, 1212 - 4th Floor, 04026-002 São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Thayná Neves
authors.initials: TN
authors.lastname: Cardoso
authors.affiliation: Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Research Center of University Paulista, Rua Dr Bacelar, 1212 - 4th Floor, 04026-002 São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Immunology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Elizabeth Cristina
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Perez Hurtado
authors.affiliation: Veterinary and Zootechny Faculty, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Nilson
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Roberti Benites
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marcia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dalastra Laurenti
authors.affiliation: Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Research Center of University Paulista, Rua Dr Bacelar, 1212 - 4th Floor, 04026-002 São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, University of Santo Amaro, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: leonibonamin@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Leoni
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Villano Bonamin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000965:Antimony / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001938:Brazil; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006705:Homeopathy / Q000379:methods*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000469:parasitology; D016773:Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000469:parasitology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D013154:Spleen / Q000469:parasitology*
chemical_list: D000965:Antimony
keywords: Antimonium crudum; Homeopathy; Leishmania (L.) amazonensis; Murine leishmaniasis