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Retention and egg production ofMicrophallus pygmaeus in mice: the influence of the adrenal cortex

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Abstract

Fewer adultMicrophallus pygmaeus are recovered from the small intestine of adrenalectomized male mice than from sham-operated counterparts. Preinfection intraperitoneal injection of 2 IU or 4 IU ACTH adaily for 7 days increases the initial primary worm burden in male mice. Preinfection intramuscular injection of 325 μg corticosterone daily for 7 days increases the initial worm burden and alters the subsequent rate of decline and duration of the primary infection. However, egg production is unaffected. The changes in parasite numbers are attributed to the immunosuppressive action of corticosterone.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Jabatan Zoology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 436000 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

    Rohani A. Ahmad & A. B. Kamis

  2. Department of Zoology, University College of Swansea, SA 2 8PP, Swansea, UK

    B. L. James

Authors
  1. Rohani A. Ahmad
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  2. B. L. James
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  3. A. B. Kamis
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Ahmad, R.A., James, B.L. & Kamis, A.B. Retention and egg production ofMicrophallus pygmaeus in mice: the influence of the adrenal cortex. Z. Parasitenkd. 72, 479–485 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00927891

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00927891

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