Analysis of six serum components from rats infected with tetrathyridia of Mesocestoides corti.

The serum from rats infected intraperitoneally (i.p.) and subcutaneously (s.c.) with the tetrathyridia of Mesocestoides corti was analysed for alpha-amylase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, glucose, corticosterone and total proteins. A histochemical analysis for hepatic alkaline phosphatase was also carried out. A significant decrease in activity of serum alkaline phosphatase was detected in both the i.p. and s.c. infections, whereas a large increase in hepatic alkaline phosphatase was observed in i.p. infections. A significant increase in serum corticosterone was found in both the i.p. and s.c. infections. No changes were detected in the other four components. The relevance of these findings is discussed with respect to the host-parasite relationship.