Abstract

This experiment shows cellular and humoral immune responses induced by soluble egg antigen of Schistosoma mansoni, that is, change of the number of peripheral blood eosinophil, delayed hypersensitivity measured by the degree of ear swelling, granulomatous change of liver tissue and elevation of serum antibody titer by ELISA. SEA was given continuously by the insertion of a mini-pump into peritoneal cavity of mouse. In control group, same pump with HGG was inserted. New pump was exchanged once in two weeks and followed the result until 9 weeks after mini-pump insertion. Highest peripheral blood eosinophil level was recorded at 2-3 weeks after SEA pump insertion. Maximum ear swelling was observed at 2 weeks and then decreased gradually. In liver tissue, several granulomas without egg were formed at 4 weeks. Serum antibody titer was elevated from 4 weeks after SEA pump insertion.