Nogo-A in Mice with Cerebral Malaria
Author Information
Author(s): Peter Lackner, Ronny Beer, Gregor Broessner, Raimund Helbok, Karolin Dallago, Michael W. Hess, Kristian Pfaller, Christine Bandtlow, Erich Schmutzhard
Primary Institution: Innsbruck Medical University
Hypothesis
The study investigates the role of Nogo-A in the course of experimental cerebral malaria.
Conclusion
Nogo-A is upregulated during the early course of experimental cerebral malaria, particularly in the brain stem of severely affected animals.
Supporting Evidence
- Nogo-A expression was significantly higher in mice with moderate to severe cerebral malaria compared to controls.
- Increased Nogo-A levels were associated with ultrastructural changes in the endoplasmic reticulum of neurons.
- The study suggests a role for Nogo-A in the neuronal stress response during cerebral malaria.
Takeaway
This study found that a protein called Nogo-A increases in the brains of mice with a severe form of malaria, which might help the brain respond to stress.
Methodology
C57BL/6J mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA, and brain homogenates were analyzed for Nogo-A expression using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.
Limitations
The study is limited to a murine model and may not fully translate to human cerebral malaria.
Participant Demographics
C57BL/6J mice, aged six to eight weeks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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