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Hydrolytic activity of an onchocercoma.
1Instituto de Biomedicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas.
Acta Cientifica Venezolana
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Histochemical analysis of onchocercomas revealed increased hydrolytic enzyme activity in Onchocerca volvulus nodules. This enzymatic activity was concentrated in metabolically active sites and reactive cells like macrophages and giant cells.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Histochemistry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Onchocerciasis, caused by the nematode Onchocerca volvulus, leads to the formation of skin nodules called onchocercomas.
- The histochemical properties of these onchocercomas, particularly their enzymatic activity, remain largely unexamined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the activity of specific hydrolytic enzymes within onchocercomas using histochemical techniques.
- To identify the cellular localization of enzymatic activity in relation to metabolic processes within the nodules.
Main Methods:
- Histochemical staining was employed to detect the presence and activity of five key hydrolytic enzymes.
- Enzymes evaluated included phosphatases, esterases, and beta-glucuronidase.
- Onchocercoma tissue samples from infected patients were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Significantly increased hydrolytic enzyme activity was observed in the onchocercomas.
- Elevated enzymatic activity was localized to areas of high metabolic activity within the nodules.
- Macrophages and giant cells within the onchocercoma exhibited heightened enzymatic activity.
Conclusions:
- Histochemical analysis demonstrates distinct patterns of hydrolytic enzyme activity in onchocercomas.
- The findings suggest a role for these enzymes in the cellular and metabolic processes occurring within the nodules.
- Further research into these enzymatic activities could offer insights into onchocerciasis pathogenesis.
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