Calomys callosus (Rodentia: Cricetidae) trophoblast cells as host cells to Toxoplasma gondii in early pregnancy

Abstract

The potential of the RH strain of Toxoplasma gondii to invade trophoblast cells of the cricetid rodent Calomys callosus in a congenital infection in the initial third of pregnancy was investigated in this study using morphological and immunocytochemical approaches. The animals were intraperitoneally inoculated on the 1st day of pregnancy and the infection was observed on day 7. Various numbers of parasites could be observed inside the parasitophorous vacuoles in trophoblastic cells under light and electron microscopy. The trophoblast cells showed characteristics of healthy cells, and no alteration other than parasite vacuoles in their cytoplasm could be detected. Polyclonal or monoclonal anti-T. gondii antibodies (respectively, anti-T. gondii components and the major surface parasite antigen p30) labeled both the parasite surface and parasitophorous vacuole membranes, regardless of the number of parasites inside the compartment. In addition, p30-containing trails were detected in the extracellular matrix surrounding trophoblastic cells similar to those found with other parasites during locomotion and the invasion process. Our results show the ability of T. gondii to infect trophoblast cells during the early blastocyst-endometrial relationship and open new possibilities for more accurate study of the invasion process of this parasite and the role of the trophoblast as an embryo defense barrier.

Congenital toxoplasmosis: candidate host immune genes relevant for vertical transmission and pathogenesis

“…52 Intravillous cytotrophoblasts produce MIF in response to T. gondii soluble extract; and then, ICAM-1 is induced in the syncytiotrophoblast maternal face. [53][54][55] Hypothetically, the maternal À179T low-expression allele of IFN-g, as well as the fetal Kilifi allele of ICAM-1 or the low-expression haplotype of MIF, would be compatible with resistance against vertical transmission (Table 1). 43,[56][57][58] TNF-a is a key cytokine in acquired toxoplasmosis control.…”

Mast cells in the eyes of Calomys callosus (Rodentia: Cricetidae) infected by Toxoplasma gondii

“…Previous studies have shown that C. callosus is highly susceptible to T. gondii, suggesting an alternative model for the study of experimental toxoplasmosis (FavoretoJunior et al 1998;Ferro et al 1999;Pereira et al 1999).…”

Toxoplasma gondii and mast cell interactions in vivo and in vitro: experimental infection approaches in Calomys callosus (Rodentia, Cricetidae)

“…C. callosus, a wild mouse-like autochthonous rodent from South America, is a reservoir for various infectious agents [13]. This animal is highly susceptible to T. gondii infection, and it has been used as an appropriate alternative model to study experimental toxoplasmosis [12,[14][15][16][17].…”