Studies on Some Metacestodes Immunohistochemical Response in Mice as a Model for Human Cysticercosis : I. Role of Th1 and Th2 Cytokines in Experimental Liver Granuloma of Mesocestoides Corti Infected Mice

Abstract

Intraperitoneal infection of female BALB/C mice with the Mesocestoides corti larvae leading to an intense inflammatory response associated with symptoms started to appear between 4-5 weeks post-infection. The hepatic changes in the process of granuloma formation after intraperitoneal infection with the tetrathiredia of M. corti were analyzed. Histopathological changes were observed after five days of infection. As a result of this parasitic infection, an extensive inflammatory response took place with infiltrating cells first tracking the migratory pathway surrounding the parasites. The pathology associated with these processes was very destructive for the liver parenchyma. As the infection progressed, neutrophils, macrophages, fibroblasts, mast cells and lymphocytes were recruited in the tissue. These immune cells started to surround the parasites, leading to the formation of granuloma around them. Both Th1 and Th2 cytokines interact with each other to regulate and modulate the hepatic granuloma formation in infected mice.