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Spleen cell responses in experimental murine toxocariasis
The Journal of Parasitology
|August 1, 1984
Summary
Toxocara canis infection in mice causes significant spleen enlargement and increased lymphocyte activity. This suggests an antigen-specific immune response, not generalized immunosuppression, during the initial infection phase.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Toxocara canis is a common nematode parasite infecting various hosts.
- Understanding the host immune response to T. canis is crucial for managing toxocariasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the splenic and lymphocyte responses in CBA/J mice infected with T. canis during the first month post-inoculation.
- To investigate the nature of the immune response, including proliferation and specificity.
Main Methods:
- Mice were infected with T. canis embryonated ova.
- Spleen to body weight ratios were measured.
- Lymphocyte proliferation assays were performed using T cell and B cell mitogens (Con A, PHA, LPS).
- Antigen-specific lymphocyte transformation assays were conducted using T. canis egg extract (TEE).
- T cell involvement was assessed using Anti-Thy 1.2 treatment.
Main Results:
- T. canis infection led to significant splenomegaly, peaking around day 14 post-inoculation.
- Infected mice showed increased lymphocyte responses to mitogens and spontaneous proliferation.
- Antigen-specific lymphocyte transformation to TEE was observed, particularly in the first two weeks.
- The proliferative response was confirmed to be T cell-mediated.
Conclusions:
- T. canis infection rapidly induces splenomegaly in mice.
- The immune response involves significant lymphocyte proliferation, likely in the spleen's white pulp.
- The observed responses suggest an antigen-specific immune activation rather than generalized immunosuppression.