Effect of mercury on the immune response and mean intensity ofAscaris suuminfection in guinea pigs

Abstract

AbstractThe subchronic effect of mercury on selected immunological parameters was studied in guinea pigs with experimentalAscaris suuminfection. HgCl2given for 28 days reduced significantly T- and B-cell populations in the lymphoid organs and the phagocytic ability of peritoneal macrophages. The subsequent infection of HgCl2-intoxicated animals elevated the studied immunological parameters, but in comparison with infected non-intoxicated guinea pigs they remained significantly suppressed. The mercury compound in infection stressed animals caused a slight alteration of the complement CH50and AH50activity. The specific circulating antibody level in infected and HgCl2treated animals rose a little by day 12 p.i. and then again decreased significantly, compared with untreated guinea pigs. The mean intensity of infection with migratingAscarislarvae in HgC12-treated animals increased by 15%, compared with controls.