The role of T lymphocytes in the course of experimental trichinellosis in mice. Influence on anti-theta serum
Karmańska, K.; Michalska, Z.
Wiadomosci Parazytologiczne 27(3): 499-508
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0043-5163 PMID: 6977952 Document Number: 174145
Two groups of C3H mice were infected with 200 Trichinella spiralis larvae and killed 5 to 60 days later. One group was given serum from a healthy rabbit from 2 days before infection for up to 30 days after infection, at intervals of 72 h. The other group received anti-theta serum instead. A 3rd group was given anti-theta serum but was not infected. Mobilization of T-lymphocytes was less pronounced in infected mice treated with anti-theta serum, than in those given normal rabbit serum. However, in both groups the stimulation of these cells in the intestinal mucosa occurred at a time when the parasites were already absent, suggesting the lack of direct influence of T-lymphocytes on the expulsion of adults. Anti-theta serum caused a faster stimulation and lower peak of intestinal mast cell mobilization. Simultaneously with the decrease in mast cell stimulation there was a slower expulsion of adults. Fewer T lymphocytes were seen in larval capsules in mice given anti-theta serum than in the other group, and it is considered that they were Tc lymphocytes. Moreover, the lower number of granulomata and higher number of muscle larvae in this group suggested that these lymphocytes within the capsules were the effector cells.