Some effects of cortisone and sex on the biology of coenuriasis in laboratory mice and jackrabbits

Abstract

Experimentally infected female mice and naturally infected female jackrabbits are more susceptible to infection with Taenia multiceps than males. It appears that cortisone has the greatest effect in altering rates in mice when injected between days 1 and 14 following exposure of mice. Cortisone elevates infection rates in male mice but not in females. Cortisone does, however, alter the distribution pattern in a similar manner in both sexes. The biology of coenuriasis in rabbits and mice is discussed and compared.I wish to thank Dr J. R. Egerton of the Merck Institute, Rahway, New Jersey, for supplying cortisone used in this study. I also thank Dr Robert Sullivan and Dr Ralph Amen for their criticisms and suggestions in the preparation of this manuscript.