Retention and egg production of Microphallus pygmaeus in mice: the influence of the adrenal cortex
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Abstract:
Fewer adult Microphallus pygmaeus are recovered from the small intestine of adrenalectomized male mice than from sham-operated counterparts. Preinfection intraperitoneal injection of 2 IU or 4 IU ACTH daily for 7 days increases the initial primary worm burden in male mice. Preinfection intramuscular injection of 325 micrograms corticosterone daily for 7 days increases the initial worm burden and alters the subsequent rate of decline and duration of the primary infection. However, egg production is unaffected. The changes in parasite numbers are attributed to the immunosuppressive action of corticosterone.
Insights
Adrenalectomy in male mice reduces Microphallus pygmaeus worm burden. Corticosterone and ACTH administration impacts parasite load, suggesting a role for the adrenal axis in host-parasite interactions and immune response.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
Background:
- The adrenal axis plays a crucial role in the host's physiological response to stress and infection.
- Understanding the interplay between host hormones and parasitic infections is vital for developing effective treatments.
- Microphallus pygmaeus is a parasite whose interaction with the host's endocrine system is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of adrenalectomy on Microphallus pygmaeus infection in male mice.
- To determine the effects of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone on M. pygmaeus parasite burden.
- To explore the potential role of corticosterone's immunosuppressive action in modulating parasite load.
Main Methods:
- Male mice underwent adrenalectomy or sham-operation.
- Mice received daily injections of ACTH or corticosterone prior to M. pygmaeus infection.
- Parasite recovery from the small intestine and egg production were assessed.
Main Results:
- Adrenalectomized mice harbored fewer adult M. pygmaeus compared to sham-operated controls.
- ACTH administration increased the initial worm burden in male mice.
- Corticosterone injection increased initial worm burden, altered infection duration, but did not affect egg production.
Conclusions:
- The adrenal axis, particularly corticosterone, influences M. pygmaeus infection dynamics in male mice.
- Corticosterone's effects on parasite numbers are likely mediated by its immunosuppressive properties.
- These findings highlight the significance of hormonal regulation in host-parasite interactions.