The following results of field observations and laboratory experiments conducted during a study of the biology of Aspicufuris tetraptera are presented: a) Sex-resistance and age resistance were demonstrated in a survey of the incidence of A. tetraptera in wild populations of its natural host, Mus musculus. Concurrent infection with, Syphacla obvelata was not detri-mental to either parasite. b) Soon after infection the larvae of A. tetraptera became established in the Crypts of Lieberkuhn in the mid-colon, undertook an anterior emigration on day 7 and thereafter persisted, in the anterior colon, where the infection became patent on day 26. c) It was discovered, that mice resisted infection by rejecting up to 80% of the worm burden before day 20. d) This response was stronger in female mice than in males, consequent (it is suggested) to the immunosuppressive properties of testosterone. e) It is proposed that a different response accounted for the earlier termination, of infections in rats and Apodemus sylvaticus. f) nice acquired immunity to A. tetraptera, which could be elicited by the: crypt phase alone. g) Hydrocortisone was effective in suppressing immunity. It was suggested, that drug-induced tolerance may have been involved. h) Methotrexate delayed immunity, but retarded worm growth. I) Specific precipitating antibody was studied and it was proposed that two classes of antibody were involved, tentatively identified as IgG-and Igm. j) A procedure for transplanting worms from, donor to recipient mice was developed and the following observations were, made: i/ 7 day larvae evoked immune expulsion suppressible by hydrocortisone and methotrexate, ii/ larvae were expelled faster from, immune mice than from controls, iii/ "Damaged" larvae were also more rapidly rejected but survived in hydrocortisone treated or in irradiated recipients, iv/ mature worms; survived for 85 days, senescence accounting for their eventual disappearance. v/ Mature worms survived, in immune recipients, vi/ Mature worms evoked antilarval immunity but were themselves not affected by it. Concurrent; infection with Trichuris muris was detrimental to A. tetraptera. I) The results are; discussed in the context of current research in parasitology, m) It is suggested that A. tetraptera would prove a good model for future work.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:449416 |
| Date | January 1974 |
| Creators | Behnke, Jerzy Marian |
| Publisher | Royal Holloway, University of London |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://repository.royalholloway.ac.uk/items/868cafda-b82a-4225-b254-c33f7281d1e0/1/ |
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