Immunological Injury of Mast Cells and Connective Tissue in Mice Infected with Strongyloides ratti

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Abstract
Twenty-four mice were repeatedly injected with filariform larvae of Strongyloides ratti. Thirty mice were used as controls. This parasite matures in the mouse and a state of immunity ensues as evidenced by absence of larvae in cultures after the third larval injection. Connective tissue pouches were made and their spreads studied for mast cell degranula-tion following injection of saline, somatic, and "ES" antigens prepared from the above larvae. The "ES" antigens were manyfold more powerful, as a degranulating agent, than the somatic one. A "gelatinous state" of the connective tissue follows degranulation with coalescence of metachromatic granules, swelling of nuclei, and release of their contents into the interstitial space. The above changes can be seen on spreads stained with toluidine blue, but are better demonstrated on slides stained with acridine-orange and examined with a UV light source and dark field condenser. While this "gelatinous state" may be observed at appropriate intervals in some spreads after injecting saline or somatic antigen, it appears promptly and intensely after injection of "ES" antigens.

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