TNF-alpha expression in trypanosomiasis resistant and susceptible mouse strains during infection with Trypanosoma congolense

TNF-alpha is a candidate for trypanosomiasis resistance QTL TIR1 (KEMP et a l., 1997). Therefore, we have determined the TNF-alpha expression at the pr otein and mRNA levels in trypanosome-infected mice of resistant and suscept ible strains, and compared expression with that in non-infected control mic e. Two resistant mouse strains [C57BL/6 and C57BL/10] and two susceptible s trains [A/J and BALB/c] were challenged with Trypanosoma congolense IL1180 by the bites of infected tsetse flies (Glossina morsitans centralis). Equal numbers of mice of each strain were challenged with non-infected tsetse fl ies. Cells from 4 sources [I.) pooled brachial/inguinal/axillary lymph node s, 2.) mesenteric lymph node, 3.) spleen and 4.) peritoneal cavity] were co llected at days 4, 7, 14 and 21 post-infection. At each collection point, c ells of 4 infected and 4 uninfected mice were pooled and aliquoted for TNF- alpha bioassay and for TNF-alpha mRNA quantitation.