The effect of immunity upon some enzymes of the parasitic nematode,Nippostrongylus brasiliensis

Abstract

Isoenzyme patterns of normal adultNippostrongylus brasiliensiswere compared with those of damaged worms permanently affected by immunity and adapted worms which show increased resistance to immunity.Isoenzymes of acetylcholinesterase, found in glands of the head end of the worms, showed changes in damaged and adapted worms which can be related to the effects of immunity.Aminopeptidases and non-specific esterases from the same glands were unchanged in worms affected by immunity.Isoenzymes of acid phosphatase found in the gut of the worms were altered in damaged and adapted worms; these changes are probably secondary to the changes in acetylcholinesterases.Of the enzymes studied, acetylcholinesterase is the enzyme most likely to be the antigen which stimulates host immunity, but final proof of this is required.We are most grateful to Dr Valerie E. Jones for many helpful suggestions.