Role of autoantibodies in the physiopathology of Chagas' disease

Arq Bras Cardiol. 2008 Oct;91(4):257-62, 281-6. doi: 10.1590/s0066-782x2008001600012.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Chagas' disease is a serious health problem in Latin America. Between 25 to 30% of the infected patients develop the chronic form of the disease, with progressive myocardial damage and often, sudden death. Adrenergic or cholinergic antibodies with G-protein coupled membrane receptor activity may be present in the sera of these patients. The present study discusses the etiology and the contribution of antibodies to the physiopathology of Chagas' disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / immunology
  • Autoantibodies / immunology*
  • Chagas Disease / etiology
  • Chagas Disease / immunology*
  • Chagas Disease / physiopathology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Humans
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / immunology
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / immunology
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan
  • Autoantibodies
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta
  • Receptors, Cholinergic