Immunological Effects of Leishmania major Secretory and Excretory Products on Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in BALB/c Mice

Background: to evaluate the immunological properties of leishmania major excreted- secreted (e-s) products on theprogress of leishmaniasis in susceptible balb/c mice.methods: promastigotes of the leishmania major were cultured and e-s products were collected during the culture preiod.groups of balb/c mice (n= 12) were immunized with e-s products or whole antigen. animals were challenged withpromastigotes of stationary phase culture, then mortality was followed up to 6 months. in another group of animals drainagelymph nods cells were removed and cultured for cytokines assay.results: activity of acteylcholinesters (ache) and acid phosphatase (acp) incresed time dependently. using sds-pagetwo major protein bands of 110 and 75 kda were seen on the gel. wound diameter in group receiving 24 h e-s productswas significantly lower than the other experimental groups (p< 0.05). during the first 4 months of the follow up no mortalitywas seen in this group, but mortality was started in the second months of the challenge in other groups. the il-4 and il-10level in whole ag group were significantly higher than the other groups. in cells from animals receiving 24 h e-s productsthe il-2 level was significantly higher than the other experimental groups (p< 0.05). also the ifn م level was significantlyhigher both in 24 h e-s and whole ag groups (p< 0.01).conclusion: the 24 h e-s group corresponded with small wounds, dominant th1 cytokines response and low level ofmortality.