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

TNF-α is a candidate for trypanosomiasis resistance QTL TIR1 (KEMP et al., 1997). Therefore, we have determined the TNF-α expression at the protein and mRNA levels in trypanosome-infected mice of resistant and susceptible strains, and compared expression with that in non-infected control mice. Two resistant mouse strains [C57BL/6 and C57BL/10] and two susceptible strains [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 flies. Cells from 4 sources [1.) pooled brachial/inguinal/axillary lymph nodes, 2.) mesenteric lymph node, 3.) spleen and 4.) peritoneal cavity] were collected at days 4, 7, 14 and 21 post-infection. At each collection point, cells of 4 infected and 4 uninfected mice were pooled and aliquote d for TNF-α bioassay and for TNF-α mRNA quantitation.