Acid phosphatase in granulocytic capsules formed in strains of Biomphalaria glabrata totally and partially resistant to Schistosoma mansoni

Abstract

Cheng T. C. and Garrabrant T. A. 1977. Acid phosphatase in granulocytic capsules formed in strains of Biomphalaria glabrata totally and partially resistant to Schistosoma mansoni. International Journal for Parasitology 7: 467–472. Acid phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.2, orthophosphoric monoester phosphohydrolase) has been demonstrated cytochemically in isolated granulocytes from the hemolymph of three strains of Biomphalaria glabrata. This enzyme was not detected in hyalinocytes. By employing acid phosphatase as a marker, it was determined that the cells comprising the capsule surrounding Schislosoma mansoni mother sporocysts in a totally and partially resistant strain of B. glabrata are granulocytes. The process of encapsulation of S. mansoni mother sporocysts in resistant B. glabrata was traced for 72 h post-penetration by miracidia and has been ascertained to involve two stages: (1) enlargement of the granuloma around intact sporocysts, followed by (2) disintegration of the parasite and a decrease in the size of the granuloma. There is an increase in the level of acid phosphatase activity within granulocytes comprising the granuloma during the second stage. Host cellular responses to S. mansoni mother sporocysts does not occur in susceptible snails.