Ultrastructural observations on the in vitro interaction between rat eosinophils and some parasitic helminths (Schistosoma mansoni, Trichinella spiralis and Nippostrongylus brasiliensis).

Rat eosinophils form an intimate association with the surfaces of parasitic helminths, in vitro, in the presence of immune serum. The parasite presents a non-phagocytosable surface to the cell. The initial response of the eosinophil is degranulation which leads to the formation of large cytoplasmic vacuoles. Peroxidase, an enzyme localized in the matrix of the crystalloid secretion granules, is discharged into these vacuoles as a consequence of degranulation. The vacuoles eventually become connected to the adherent basal plasma membrane of the eosinophil, and peroxidase is secreted directly onto the surface of the parasite. There is no morphological evidence to suggest that this particular secretion affects the integrity of the parasite surface.