Fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis in mice infected with the tapeworm Hymenolepis microstoma

Infection with Hymenolepis microstoma significantly affected the lipid metabolism of young male Balb/C mice. Infection increased the rates of hepatic fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis and cholesterol synthesis by the gut. Decreases were recorded in testicular fatty acid synthesis and in the weights of testes and white epididymal adipose tissue. Plasma glucose decreased rapidly during infection. The observed changes in lipogenesis could not be attributed to changes in food intake or body temperature. The changes are discussed in relation to nutritional interactions between host and parasite and the possible effects on host hormone levels. The presence of newly synthesized fatty acid in H. microstoma is also reported.