Abstract
We have previously shown that female DBA/2 mice are significantly more resistant to Leishmania mexicana compared with males. Here, we have analyzed the effect of 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) on function and cytokine production in male and female DBA/2 macrophages in vitro. We show that E(2) increases NO production and parasite killing in L. mexicana-infected male and female DBA/2 macrophages without increasing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These data indicate that E(2) may enhance leishmanicidal activity in macrophages by directly regulating production of NO.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
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Estradiol / pharmacology*
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Female
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Interleukin-12 / biosynthesis
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Interleukin-12 / immunology
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Interleukin-6 / biosynthesis
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Interleukin-6 / immunology
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Leishmania mexicana / growth & development
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Leishmania mexicana / immunology*
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Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / immunology*
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Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / parasitology
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Macrophages / drug effects*
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Macrophages / immunology*
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Macrophages / metabolism
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Macrophages / parasitology
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Male
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred DBA
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Nitric Oxide / biosynthesis*
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Nitric Oxide / immunology
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Sex Factors
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Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms
Substances
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Interleukin-6
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Interleukin-12
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Nitric Oxide
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Estradiol