The effects of gamma-irradiation on migration and survival of Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula in mice

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Infections with irradiated S. mansoni were established by i.m. injection of mechanically transformed schistosomula. A dose of 2.3 krad allowed persistence of a small proportion of worms to adulthood, and of these survivors the majority of the female worms were sexually sterile. A small proportion of 2.3 krad-irradiated females and a larger proportion of similarly irradiated males were capable of pairing successfully with non-irradiated partners. Radiation in the range 2.3-10 krad resulted in slightly reduced peak recoveries from the lungs while 20 krad resulted in a much reduced and 40 krad a virtual absence of survival to the lung stage. Increasing doses of radiation in the range 2.3-10 krad resulted in successively fewer parasites reaching the liver. The major sites of the radiation-induced mortality appeared to be as follows: 2.3 krad mainly in the liver; 4 krad in the lungs and liver; 10 krad mainly in the lungs; 20 krad at the injection site and in the lungs and 40 krad, mainly at the injection site. Compared to infections, established by percutaneously applied cercariae, survival rates of i.m. injected schistosomula were lower. Possible reasons for the disparity are discussed.