Studies with Brugia pahangi 7. Changes in lymphatics of injected cats

Abstract

AbstractHistological and gross changes in the lymphatics of cats singly or repeatedly infected with Brugia pahangi were studied chronologically over a period of 5 years. Lymphatic dilatation occurred within 2 weeks of injection and an initial acute inflammatory reaction in the lymphatic wall and lumen was followed by chronic inflammation within 4 months. In some long-term repeatedly infected cats, the lymphatics became non-functional fibrous cords and conditions of oedema and early elephantiasis, similar to those seen in early human filariasis, were produced. The main points of contention in the study of filariasis which were cluciaated in this system were: (1) that living worms cause lymphatic damage, not exacerbated by their death; (2) that lymphatic damage is not progressive after a certain peak of reaction is reached, except in repeatedly challenged animals; (3) that microfilariae do not appear to cause lymphatic damage.