Analysis of six serum components from rats infected with tetrathyridia ofMesocestoides corti

Abstract

The serum from rats infected intraperitoneally (i.p.) and subcutaneously (s.c.) with the tetrathyridia ofMesocestoides cortiwas analysed for α-amylase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyltransferase, glucose, corticosterone and total proteins. A histochemical analysis for hepatic alkaline phosphatase was also carried out. A significant decrease in activity of serum alkaline phosphatase was detected in both the i.p. and s.c. infections, whereas a large increase in hepatic alkaline phosphatase was observed in i.p. infections. A significant increase in serum cortiscosterone was found in both the i.p. and s.c. infections. No changes were detected in the other four components. The relevance of these findings is discussed with respect to the host–parasite relationship.