Role of macrophages in experimental malaria: IV--Bioassay of silica in immunity against Plasmodium berghei infection
Pillai, C.R.; Devi, C.U.; Choudhury, D.S.; Singh, N.N.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 35(8): 861-865
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5189 PMID: 9475062 Document Number: 474943
Silica treated mice when challenged with Plasmodium berghei showed increase in duration of prepatent(PP) and survival period (SP) and median survival day (MSD) as compared with controls. Daily parasite density curve during the course of infection was similar to control. Response to the parasite challenge, however, was dependent on the dose of silica. No increase in SP at 0.7 mg and in PP at 35 mg (cumulative doses) dose was observed. A dose up to 5 mg per mouse before challenge resulted in protection of the animal. No mortality was recorded in mice which received silica alone (35 mg; 5 mg/day X 7 days). Death due to lethal P. berghei infection could be delayed or prevented by altering/reducing the functional activities of macrophages during the course of infection.