Original Article
Korean J Parasitol. 1975 Dec;13(2):115-122. English.
Published online Mar 20, 1994.  http://dx.doi.org/10.3347/kjp.1975.13.2.115
Copyright © 1975 by The Korean Society for Parasitology
Behaviour of mast cells in mice in the course of Entamoeba histolytica infection by strains
Kyung-Il Im,Han-Ky Hwang and Chin-Thack Soh
Department of Parasitology, Yonsei University College of Medicine and Institute of Tropical Medicine, Yonsei University, Korea.
Abstract

The present report deals with the behaviour of mast cells in mice in the course of Entamoeba histolytica infection by the strains.

Mice weighing about l6 gm were used for three experimental groups; control, sham infection and experimental. The experimental group was infected with Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites directly into cecum by laparotomy. Strains isolated from three hepatic amoebic abscess cases were used. Mesenteric samples from the region of terminal ileum were fixed in methyl alcohol and stained with Pugh's solution. The ulcers in cecum were examined.

Changes in number and structure of mesenteric mast cells and blood eosinophils were as follows.

1. The number of mast cell in mesenteric tissues of the infected group increased from first day of the infection and persisted up to 34th day of the observation period.

2. Degranulation and disruption of mast cells increased in the infected group compared with groups of the sham operation and the contro1, but showed no difference by the strains of Entamoeba histolytica.

3. The blood eosinophilia was observed in the infected group and persisted until the observation period.

4. Ulcers in cecum were found in all the infected groups.

The results above indicate that mast cells are keenly related with the course of Entamoeba histolytica infection.

Figures


Fig. 1
Comparison of numbers of mesenteric mast cells per square millimeter in mice of each group.


Fig. 2
Comparison of mast cell number in the mesentery of mice infected with Entamoeba histolytica by strains.


Fig. 3
Comparison of degranulation of mesenteric mast cells in mice infected with Entamoeba histolytica by strains.


Fig. 4
Comparison of degranulation status of mesenteric mast cells in mice infected with Entamoeba histolytica by strains.


Fig. 5
Comparison of percentage of blood eosinophils in each experimental group.


Explanation of Figures
1. Mesenteric mast cells of mouse. (×100)

2. Mesenteric mast cells, intact. (×450)

3. Degranulated mast cell, mild. (×450)

4. Degranulated mast cell, moderate. (×450)

5. Disrupted mesenteric mast cell associated with marked, severe degranulation of metachromatic granules. (×450)

6. Ulcerated mucosa of the mouse cecum, and trophozoite of Entamoeba histolytica observed in this ulcer. (×450)


Tables


Table 1
Comparison of numbers of the mesenteric mast cells, and of degree of disrupted or degranulated mesenteric mast cells in mice infected with Entamoeba histolytica, strain YS-24


Table 2
Detection of Entamoeba histolytica in the cecal contents and ulcers in the infected cecum

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