The effect of the intestinal worms and migrating L1 larvae of Trichinella spiralis on the production of antiparasitic IgE antibodies

Abstract

The effect of the adult worms and migrating L1 larvae of Trichinella spiralis on the production of specific IgE antibodies was determined in BCF1 mice. To achieve this, we combined the effect of two anthelminthics: thiabendazole, to produce chemosterilization of adult females, and napthalophos, to expel adult worms from the intestine of infected mice on the desired day. Our results demonstrate that when the natural route of infection is used the production of IgE antibodies is not dependent on the infection dose or the number of migrating L1 larvae, and that both intestinal worms and migrating L1 larvae contribute to the production of reaginic antibodies. In addition to this, an extended period of antigenic stimulation (10–12 days) is required for the induction of a detectable, specific IgE response by adult worms. Finally, our results seem to indicate that although the effects of adult worms and migratory L1 larvae on the IgE production are not additive, the presence of adult worms in the intestine of mice may stimulate a secondary exposure to common antigens released by the migrating L1 larvae.