In vivo expression profiles of cytokine and iNOS mRNAs in rats infected with Eimeria separata

Studies on cytokine (IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10) and inducible NO-s ynthase (iNOS) gene transcription in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and the c aecum wall were performed 0, 48, and 72 h after primary and challenge infec tions of rats with Eimeria separata using RT-PCR. The amount of IFN-gamma m RNA was elevated in MLN and caeca 72 h after primary and 48-72 h after chal lenge infection when compared with uninfected controls. Increased amounts o f IL-2 mRNA were only found in MLN of infected rats 72 h post-infection (p. i.). In case of IL-10, infections did not affect the amount of mRNA in MLN, but led to markedly increased levels in the caecum wall of both infected g roups 48 and 72 h p.i. Levels of IL-4 mRNA remained unchanged after infecti ons and IL-5 gene transcripts were undetectable. Amounts of iNOS mRNA (not investigated in MLN) were found strongly enhanced 48 and 72 h p.i. in the c aecum walls of all infected animals when compared with naive controls. The data are discussed in regard of the cellular source of the cytokines and th eir immunological role. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.