Malarial immunity in pregnant mice, in relation to total and unbound plasma corticosterone
Van Zon, A.A.; Eling, W.M.; Hermsen, C.C.; Van de Wiel, T.J.; Duives, M.E.
Bulletin de la Societe de Pathologie Exotique et de Ses Filiales 76(5): 493-502
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-9085 PMID: 6370474 Document Number: 203564
A pregnancy dependent loss of malarial immunity is accompanied by an (excessive) increase of total as well as free plasma corticosterone. This loss of immunity was largely prevented by adrenalectomy. Moreover, malarial immunity was more sensitive to dexamethasone immunosuppression during pregnancy. Primary infections are more virulent during pregnancy and like in recrudescent mice, cause excessive total and free plasma corticosterone levels. Corticosterone may be considered an immuno-regulatory serum factor during pregnancy, the endocrine regulation of which is disturbed in pregnant, infected mice.