Lectin binding to the developing forms of Onchocerca gutturosa microfilariae.
Uterine and skin derived forms of microfilariae (mf) and earlier developing stages of the cattle filarial nematode Onchocerca gutturosa were examined for the lectin binding properties of their external surfaces (ie. egg shell and microfilarial cuticle). Both the uterine and skin derived forms of mf failed to bind any of the lectins tested. Incubation in known microfilaricides did not promote any binding of lectins to these parasites. Peanut agglutinin (PNA) was the only lectin found to bind specifically to earlier developing stages (i.e. the shells of freshly obtained eggs). Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) did not alter the binding pattern from that observed in untreated eggs. Ivermectin eliminated PNA binding but increased Ricinus communis lectin (RCA-1) positivity. Trypsin, collagenase and protease enzymes all affected the binding; chitinase however did not have any effect. These results support the concept that the eggshells of filariae can interact with the host defence responses.[1]References
- Lectin binding to the developing forms of Onchocerca gutturosa microfilariae. Nwachukwu, M.A., Mackenzie, C.D., Litchfield, T.M., Howard, G. Trop. Med. Parasitol. (1987) [Pubmed]
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