title: [Probable antigenic relation between Entamoeba histolytica and alpha-fetoprotein].
abstract: The findings of alpha fetoprotein antigens are reported in raw extracts of Entamoeba histolytica and also, on the membranes of trophozoites obtained from an axenic culture medium. This was confirmed through two techniques: Ouchterlony's immunodiffusion and indirect immunofluorescence using an antialpha fetoprotein rabbit antiserum. Previously, it was shown that this last antiserum did not recognize antigens of bovine albumin. The presence of alpha fetoprotein antigens in E. histolytica suggest that they may be a product of the metabolism of the ameba and that their concentration and localization might have a biological significance. Those antigens may appear because enzymes of the ameba degrade the bovine albumin from the culture medium. It is proposed that in the host with invasive amebiasis, alpha fetoprotein could also be found around E. histolytica and thus, inhibit the reactivity of the lymphocytes that attempt to attack it. In this manner, the capacity of ameba to form alpha feto protein would be an important mechanism in the relationship host--parasite.
mesh_terms: D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000276:immunology; D003429:Cross Reactions; D004748:Entamoeba histolytica / Q000276:immunology*; D000939:Epitopes; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D006801:Humans; D005779:Immunodiffusion; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine / Q000276:immunology; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000941:Antigens; D000939:Epitopes; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine
vernacular_title: Probable relación antigénica entre Entamoeba histolytica y alfafetoproteína.