Authors

Discussion

A mouse model for the dynamic imaging of collagen deposition during hepatic schistosomiasis

Granuloma formation limiting the hepatotoxicity caused by the deposition of schistosome eggs in the host liver, is a central feature of the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis. To better understand the dynamic nature associated with this pathology, we have used a collagen-luciferase (B6.Coll 1A-luc+) mouse and the Xenogen IVIS whole animal imaging system, to quantitate the formation of liver fibrosis during active schistosomiasis japonica. We correlated the liver radiance detected from whole live animal imaging, with traditional histochemical staining after animal sacrifice. The increasing progression of collagen expression was associated with increasing levels of egg deposition, over a time course of infection. Using the B6.Coll 1A-luc+ mouse, collagen transcription can be monitored in the same animal, providing statistically robust information while greatly reducing the large numbers of animals need for traditional histological quantitation of pathology. We also used the antischistosomal drug praziquantel to clear an active infection, and could demonstrate a significant drop in collagen expression, corresponding to the cessation of egg laying due to parasite elimination. This animal model represents a new tool to study hepatic fibrosis both during the formation and resolution of schistosomiasis.