In vitro Trypanosoma cruzi infection induces expression of Wnt proteins, Frizzled (Fzd) receptors, and β-catenin macrophages. Bone marrow-derived macrophages were in vitro infected with T. cruzi trypomastigotes or left uninfected (NI) and then evaluated for expression of Wnt proteins and Fzd receptors at different times post-infection (pi). (A) Expression of Wnt3a and Wnt5a mRNA (relative to <t>β-actin)</t> was determined by quantitative real-time-PCR. (B) The relative abundance of Wnt3, Wnt5a, and β-actin in the cell lysates were determined by Western blot and densitometry at 12 h pi. Representative Western blot and the ratio of Wnt3a or Wnt5a to β-actin are shown. (C) Expression of Fzd4, Fzd8, Fzd9, and Fzd6 mRNA (relative to β-actin) was determined by q-PCR. The results are expressed as the average of three independent experiments ± SEM. Abbreviation: AU, arbitrary units (* P
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