Expulsion of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis by mice deficient in mast cells

Abstract

Expulsion of the intestinal helminth, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, occurs spontaneously about 2 weeks after a primary infection of rats¹ and mice². Cellular changes ia the small intestine coincident with the period of expulsion have suggested several mechanisms by which this ‘self-cure’ may be effected. Local anaphylaxis was proposed as a possible means of parasite clearance; this hypothesis has been supported by the demonstration of specific reaginic antibody production³ and jejunal mast cell accumulation⁴ in infected animals. In addition, increased mucus secretion⁵ and more recently, goblet cell proliferation in the jejunal mucosa of rats⁶ have been noted and considered as potentially important in mediating the self-cure reaction. The data presented below indicate that in the absence of demonstrable mast cells, the course of a primary infection with this parasite is unchanged; however, they are supportive of a role for goblet cells in the self-cure reaction.