2004 Volume 14 Issue 3-4 Pages 50-54
Serum Interleukin-12 (IL-12) levels were measured in B. microti and B. rodhaini inoculated mice, since it is well known as an early responsible cytokine to induce the differentiation of helper T cell (Th cell) into helper T cell type 1 (Th 1 cell). Serum IL-12 levels in B. microti inoculated mice revealed two significant peaks at 3 and 24 hr after inoculation, while no significant change was observed in B. rodhaini inoculated mice. From our previous report, Th 1 cell and helper T cell type 2 (Th 2 cell) was predominant in splenic Th cells of mice on 5 day after inoculation with B. microti and with B. rodhaini, respectively. Interleukin-12 might initiate the differentiation of splenic Th 1 cell in the early phase of infection in mice infected with B. microti and closely related to the host protective cellular immunity.
