Cytokine Profile in Early Infection by Leptospira interrogans in A/J Mice

Figure 7

Cytokine levels are dependent on the presence of Complement component C5 during early infection by LPF. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated in the liver, lung, and kidney. The levels of IL-10, IL-1β, and IL-12 (p40 and p70) were higher in the liver of A/J C5^+/+ (C5⁺) versus A/J C5^-/- (C5^-) mice on the sixth day of infection. Although the kidneys are the organs affected in the chronic period of LPF infection, the lack of C5 was important for the production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 on the third day of infection. However, the presence of C5 promoted the synthesis of IL-1β and IL-12 (p40 and p70). Since no difference was found in lung cytokine levels regarding the presence or lack of C5, this organ was omitted. dpi: days postinfection.