[Ultra-pathological study on the syncytium of Schistosoma mansoni exposed to cyclosporin Ain vitro].
OBJECTIVE
To study the ultra-pathological changes of syncytium of Schistosoma mansoni after cyclosporin A (CsA) treatment.


METHODS
MF1 mice were infected with Schistosoma mansoni cercariae. Six weeks later, the adult worms were recovered by portal vein perfusion. After the worms were exposed to CsA of 20 micrograms/ml for 24 h, the drug-induced damage of the worm surface was observed by SEM and TEM.


RESULTS
Incubation of male and female schistosomes with 20 micrograms/ml of CsA for 24 h resulted in disruption of the tegument and rupture of the spines. Progressive surface damage and swelling and vacuolization of the tegument led to eventual disruption of the syncytium.


CONCLUSIONS
The antischistosomal action of CsA is direct, the syncytium is the main site for CsA attack.
Liu
J F
JF
Department of Pathology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211.
Chappell
L H
LH
D000818:Animals; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D012550:Schistosoma mansoni / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D012556:Schistosomicides / Q000494:pharmacology*
D012556:Schistosomicides; D016572:Cyclosporine