The Schistosoma japonicum egg granuloma. II. Cellular composition, granuloma size, and immunologic concomitants
Warren, K.S.; Grove, D.I.; Pelley, R.P.
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 27(2 Pt 1): 271-275
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9637 PMID: 417640 Document Number: 125378
Granulomatous hypersensitivity to Schistosoma japonicum eggs was studied at various times up to 20 weeks after the induction of light infections in mice. Cell populations which were determined in granulomata isolated from the livers revealed a maximum in the total number of cells at 6 weeks with a decline of 36% by 20 weeks. Large mononuclear cells were predominant at all times with eosinophils being the second most common cell. Measurements of granuloma diameters around single viable eggs in the livers also revealed peak size at 6 weeks with a decline of 51% between 16 and 24 weeks. Immunodiffusion analysis demonstrated the presence of precipitating antibodies as early as 7 weeks after infection. Investigations of lymphocyte blastogenesis revealed a profound depression in response to T-cell mitogens by 8 weeks of infection. Studies of footpad swelling to soluble S. japonicum egg antigens revealed massive immediate reactions starting at 6 weeks, but no delayed reactivity over a period from 3 to 20 week. All of these results are related to differences in the biology of S. japonicum in comparison with that of S. mansoni with respect to the earlier onset of egg production, the much larger numbers of eggs produced, and the possibility of differences in the antigens emitted by the eggs. [AS].