THE IMMUNOPHYSIOLOGY OF TRICHINOSIS. ALTERATIONS IN THE BLOOD VOLUME AND THE THIOCYANATE SPACE IN RELATION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMORAL ANTIBODIES IN THE RABBIT 1

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Abstract
Serial detns. of the plasma volume by the T-1824 method and the thiocyanate space were made in 10 rabbits fed trichinous rat meat. The physiologic alterations were correlated with the development of humoral immunity. In general the clinical severity of early trichinosis appeared to be directly related to the number of muscle trichinae ingested. The changes in the distribution of body fluid measured paralleled the clinical severity of the disease process. A significant increase in the thiocyanate space was found just before the appearance of the positive precipitin test. A significant decrease in the hematocrit was noted. No significant changes in wt. were found. These changes were interpreted as indicating an increase in permeability of the vascular tree. The discrepancies between the increase in the thiocyanate space and the changes in weight suggested that cellular permeability as well was increased. The time relationship of the maximal physiologic changes to the appearance of humoral antibodies suggested that the alterations may have been due directly or indirectly to an antigen-antibody reaction. The clinical symptoms and signs of trichinosis are not solely due to mechanical blockage of capillaries or arterioles by migrating larvae, but are more likely the result of re-distribution of fluid in the extravascular spaces.
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