Journal of Helminthology
- Journal of Helminthology / Volume 71 / Issue 04 / December 1997, pp 339-344
- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1997
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0022149X00016163 (About DOI), Published online: 05 June 2009
Research Papers
Effects of concurrently administered copper and mercury on phagocytic cell activity and antibody levels in guinea pigs with experimental ascariasis
J. Šoltýsa1, Z. Boroškováa1 and E. Dvorožňákováa1
a1 Parasitological Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, Košice, Slovak Republic
Abstract
The subchronic effect of copper and mercury on selected immunological parameters in guinea pigs with experimental ascariasis was studied. Cupric sulphate and mercuric chloride administered for 28 days did not suppress the levels of specific circulating antibody in a subsequent Ascaris suum infection. Intoxication of animals significantly inhibited the phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages throughout the experiment. Ascaris suum infection elevated macrophage phagocytic activity but values remained significantly lower in comparison with infected non-intoxicated animals. Both the concurrently administered metal compounds changed the phagocytic ability of polymorphonuclear leucocytes in the blood.
The intensity of infection assessed by the number of Ascaris larvae migrating in the lungs of animals currently intoxicated with both the metal compounds increased by 28.6%, compared with controls.
(Accepted June 04 1997)
