Abstract
The neutrophil is one of the sources of eosinophil chemotactic factor (ECF) in the presence of some stimulants. In the present study we showed that guinea-pig neutrophils could release ECF upon stimulation with Schistosoma japonicum eggs. ECF release from neutrophils began as early as 5 min after the stimulation and reached a peak at 20 min. When homogenate of the eggs was separated into a water-soluble fraction as soluble egg antigen (SEA) and a water-insoluble fraction (eggshell), both preparations possessed a potent neutrophil-stimulating activity to release ECF. The ECF release was dependent on the concentration of eggshells or SEA or on the number of neutrophils. The neutrophil-stimulating activity of eggshells was stable to heat, HCl, or pronase treatment but sensitive to NaOH treatment. When the eggs or eggshells were washed with acetone or Tween-20, they lost the neutrophil-stimulating activity to release ECF, indicating that the neutrophil-stimulating factor (NSF) possesses a lipid nature. The molecular weight of NSF extracted from the eggshells was estimated to be about 1000 Da by gel chromatography on Sephadex G25. The possible role of eggshells in the formation of eosinophil-rich granulomatous lesions in schistosomiasis japonica is discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
