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Homeopathy 2014; 103(04): 264-274
DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2014.08.006
Original Paper
Copyright © The Faculty of Homeopathy 2014

Modulation of inflammation response to murine cutaneous Leishmaniasis by homeopathic medicines: Antimonium crudum 30cH

Fabiana Rodrigues de Santana
1   Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Research Center of University Paulista, Rua Dr Bacelar, 1212 – 4th Floor, 04026-002 São Paulo, Brazil
,
Cidéli de Paula Coelho
1   Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Research Center of University Paulista, Rua Dr Bacelar, 1212 – 4th Floor, 04026-002 São Paulo, Brazil
2   Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, University of Santo Amaro, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Thayná Neves Cardoso
1   Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Research Center of University Paulista, Rua Dr Bacelar, 1212 – 4th Floor, 04026-002 São Paulo, Brazil
,
Elizabeth Cristina Perez Hurtado
1   Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Research Center of University Paulista, Rua Dr Bacelar, 1212 – 4th Floor, 04026-002 São Paulo, Brazil
3   Laboratory of Immunology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Nilson Roberti Benites
4   Veterinary and Zootechny Faculty, University of São Paulo, Brazil
,
Marcia Dalastra Laurenti
5   Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Leoni Villano Bonamin
1   Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Research Center of University Paulista, Rua Dr Bacelar, 1212 – 4th Floor, 04026-002 São Paulo, Brazil
2   Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, University of Santo Amaro, São Paulo, Brazil
› Author Affiliations
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Further Information

Publication History

Received09 February 2014
revised25 July 2014

accepted27 August 2014

Publication Date:
02 January 2018 (online)

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Background: Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease caused by protozoan parasites of the mononuclear phagocytic system. The modulation activity of these cells can interfere in the host/parasite relationship and influences the prognosis.

Methods: We evaluated the effects of the homeopathic preparation Antimonium crudum 30cH on experimental infection induced by Leishmania (L.) amazonensis. Male Balb/c mice were inoculated with 2 × 106 Leishmania (L.) amazonensis promastigotes into the footpad and, after 48 h (acute phase) or 60 days (chronic phase), cell population of lymphocytes and phagocytes present in the peritoneal washing fluid and spleen were analyzed by flow cytometry and histopathology, with histometry of the subcutaneous primary lesion, local lymph node and spleen. Immunohistochemistry was performed to quantify CD3 (T lymphocyte), CD45RA (B lymphocyte) and CD11b (phagocytes) positive cells.

Results: In treated mice, during the acute phase, there was significant increase of the macroscopic lesion, associated to inflammatory edema, as well increase in the number of free amastigotes and B lymphocytes inside the lesion. Increase of B lymphocytes (predominantly B-2 cells) was also seen in the local lymph node, spleen and peritoneum. In the chronic phase, the inflammatory process in the infection focus was reduced, with reduced phagocyte migration and peritoneal increase of B-1a cells (precursors of B-2 immunoglobulin producers cells) and T CD8+ cells.

Conclusion: The treatment of mice with Antimonium crudum 30cH induced a predominantly B cell pattern of immune response in Leishmania (L.) amazonensis experimental infection, alongside the increase of free amastigote forms number in the infection site. The clinical significance of this study is discussed, further studies are suggested.

Keywords

Leishmania (L.) amazonensis - Antimonium crudum - Homeopathy - Murine leishmaniasis
 

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