Hymenolepis diminuta and H. microstoma: Mouse immunoglobulins binding to the tegumental surface

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Direct antiglobulin immunofluorescence was used to study the distribution of IgA, IgG 1, IgG 2, and IgM in the intestinal wall and lumen of mice infected with the tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta. For comparison, uninfected mice and mice infected with the bile duct tapeworm Hymenolepis microstoma were studied. In mice infected with H. microstoma the distribution and abundance of immunoglobulins increased in the intestinal wall and, particularly, in the hypertrophic bile duct. In mice infected with H. diminuta, increases in the intestinal immunoglobulins were also evident, but changes were less pronounced than those in H. microstoma infected mice. Of most significance is the occurrence of IgA and the other immunoglobulins studied on the surfaces of both H. diminuta and H. microstoma. IgA. appeared on both worms sooner than other immunoglobulins and all appeared on H. diminuta sooner than on H. microstoma. Further, the immunoglobulins appeared sooner on H. diminuta in six worm infections than in two worm infections, correlating with the more rapid expulsion of worms in heavier infections. It is suggested that the immunoglobulins are specific anti-worm antibodies bound to antigens on the tegument of the worms. Granular fluorescence occurred on the surface of H. diminuta, but not on H. microstoma, when antisera to the third component of complement were used. This observation is of potential significance but is equivocal. Possible approaches for further study of immunity to adult tapeworms are discussed.