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Published on: June 5, 2012
In vitro damaging effect of leukocytes, serum, and peritoneal fluid on Ascaris suum infective larvae
1Department of Microbiology, Southeastern University of the Health Sciences, North Miami Beach, Florida.
Abstract:
Peritoneal leukocytes, serum, and peritoneal fluid from Ascaris suum-infected or noninfected mice were studied using 51Cr release and larval mobility to determine if they had in vitro cytotoxicity for A. suum infective larvae. Mouse serum or peritoneal fluid from infected and non-infected mice was added to leukocyte-larvae cultures to determine their effect on leukocyte damage to larvae. Leukocytes from A. suum infected mice were cytotoxic for A. suum larvae in the presence of serum from infected or noninfected mice but only serum from infected mice produced larval cytotoxicity independent of leukocytes or in the presence of leukocytes from noninfected mice. Mouse peritoneal fluid from infected or noninfected mice was found to damage larvae independent of leucocytes. Cytotoxic activity was blocked when serum or peritoneal fluid was heat-inactivated suggesting complement as the damaging agent.
Insights
Immune cells and fluids from Ascaris suum-infected mice show cytotoxicity against parasite larvae. Complement in serum and peritoneal fluid appears to be the primary damaging agent, independent of leukocytes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Helminthology
Background:
- Ascaris suum infection elicits an immune response.
- Understanding immune mechanisms against parasitic nematodes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro cytotoxic activity of peritoneal leukocytes, serum, and peritoneal fluid from Ascaris suum-infected mice against infective larvae.
- To determine the role of leukocytes and serum components in larval damage.
Main Methods:
- 51Cr release assay and larval mobility assays were used.
- Peritoneal leukocytes, serum, and peritoneal fluid from infected and non-infected mice were tested.
- Heat inactivation of serum and peritoneal fluid was performed.
Main Results:
- Leukocytes from infected mice demonstrated cytotoxicity against A. suum larvae, enhanced by serum from infected mice.
- Serum from infected mice induced larval cytotoxicity independently of leukocytes.
- Peritoneal fluid from both infected and non-infected mice damaged larvae without leukocytes.
- Heat inactivation abolished cytotoxic activity, implicating complement.
Conclusions:
- Both cellular and humoral components of the host immune system contribute to Ascaris suum larval damage.
- Complement in serum and peritoneal fluid plays a significant role in the cytotoxic effect.
- Further research into complement-mediated immunity against parasitic infections is warranted.
