Effect of levamisole on the course of experimental leishmaniasis in guinea-pigs and mice: haematological and immunological findings.
The effects of levamisole on the course of Leishmania enriettii infection in guinea-pigs and L. major in mice were investigated. It was demonstrated that levamisole-treated guinea-pigs either did not develop an ulcerative lesion or developed a much smaller lesion than untreated animals. Moreover, metastases which are commonly produced in approximately 50% of animals receiving 2 x 10(6) L. enriettii did not occur in levamisole-treated guinea-pigs. Leishmania enriettii infection usually causes leukopenia and eosinophilia in guinea-pigs approximately two to three weeks after infection. These haematological changes did not occur in animals receiving levamisole. The percentage of rosette T-cells which diminished in the L. enriettii infection was normalized in the group of levamisole-treated and infected guinea-pigs. The severity of Leishmania infection in mice receiving levamisole was lower in comparison to a control group of the animals.
Rezai
H R
HR
Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Shiraz University, Iran.
Behbehani
A B
AB
Gettner
S
S
Ardehali
S
S
D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000096:biosynthesis; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D004804:Eosinophils; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007894:Leishmania mexicana / Q000276:immunology; D007896:Leishmaniasis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D007978:Levamisole / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051379:Mice; D012882:Skin Tests; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan; D007978:Levamisole