Macrophagelike Hemocytes of Resistant Biomphalaria glabrata Are Cytotoxic for Sporocysts of Schistosoma mansoni In vitro

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Abstract
When S. mansoni miracidia penetrate resistant individuals of the intermediate host snail B. glabrata, the sporocyst is encapsulated by hemocytes (macrophage-like cells of the snail circulation) and killed. In the in vitro model the same fate requires only sporocysts and snail hemolymph. When cultured in plasma alone (cell-free hemolymph), sporocysts remain viable for more than 3 days, regardless of whether the plasma is from susceptible or resistant snails. When hemolymph is used from susceptible snails, the sporocysts retain a normal healthy appearance. The parasite appears to express an offensive response to the hemocytes of susciptible snails. Ultrastructural study reveals that resistant-strain hemocytes destroy the parasite tegument; within 24 h the sporocyst is damaged severely throughout. This cell-mediated, internal, defensive response of an invertebrate host closely resembles antibody-dependent, cell-mediated damage to schistosomula in mammalian hosts.

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