The effect of nematode infection upon intestinal smooth muscle function
Abstract
Nematode infections are useful in studying both host defence and inflammation induced changes in intestinal physiology, including increased contraction by intestinal muscle. Our initial studies of the heightened muscle function found during T. spiralis infection led to investigations of the role of immune and inflammatory cells and mediators in the immunodulation of intestinal muscle function. By infecting various immunodeficient mouse strains, as well as gene transfer to the intestine, T lymphocytes, and in particular the CD4+ve subset were found to be responsible for altering smooth muscle function. However, eosinophils as well as the cytokine interleukin-4 may also be involved. Investigations also indicate a potential role for increased muscle function and propulsive activity in expelling nematode parasites. Mutant mice which suffer aberrant intestinal propulsion, or based upon an immunodeficiency, undergo reduced changes in muscle function during infection, undergo prolonged infections. While increased muscle function may be an adaptive host response, the changes in muscle function may persist long after the resolution of the infection. Thus understanding the mechanisms behind the immunomodulation of intestinal muscle funct...Continue Reading
References
Interrelationships among gastric mucosal morphology, secretion, and motility in peptic ulcer disease
Citations
Adaptive immunity-dependent intestinal hypermotility contributes to host defense against Giardia spp
Effect of Schistosoma mansoni-induced granulomatous inflammation on murine gastrointestinal motility
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