Abstract

SANCHEZ-RAMIREZ, Blanca  and  TALAMAS-ROHANA, Patricia. The importance of prostaglandins in hepatic amebiasis. Salud pública Méx [online]. 2002, vol.44, n.3, pp.247-257. ISSN 0036-3634.

Prostaglandins are important mediators of inflammation; they also play a role in the regulation of both lymphocyte and macrophage functions. Hamster's liver lesions resulting from intraportal or intrahepatic inoculation of living Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites are characterized by an acute inflammatory response, where trophozoites are successively surrounded by polymorphonuclear leukocytes, lymphocytes, and macrophages. Incapability of these cells to counteract amebic invasion has been demonstrated in some studies. Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) has potent effects on immune cells; its participation in amebic liver abscess has been reported recently. This paper presents a review of recent discoveries on biochemical mediators produced during inflammation due to Entamoeba histolytica infection, and their possible role in establishing the host's immune response.

Keywords : Entamoeba histolytica; prostaglandins; prostaglandin-endoperoxido synthase; cytokines; inflammation.