EFFECT OF MERCURY ON THE IMMUNE-RESPONSE AND MEAN INTENSITY OF ASCARIS-SUUM INFECTION IN GUINEA-PIGS

The subchronic effect of mercury on selected immunological parameters was studied in guinea pigs with experimental Ascaris suum infection. HgCl2 given for 28 days reduced significantly T- and B-cell populations in the lymphoid organs and the phagocytic ability of peritoneal matrophages. The subsequent infection of HgCl2-intoxicated animals elevated the studied immunological parameters, but in comparison with infected non-intoxicated guinea pigs they remained significantly suppressed. The mercury compound in infection stressed animals caused a slight alteration of the complement CH50 and AH(50) activity. The specific circulating antibody level in infected and HgCl2 treated animals rose a little by day 12 p.i. and then again decreased significantly compared with untreated guinea pigs. The mean intensity of infection with migrating Ascaris larvae in HgCl2-treated animals increased by 15%, compared with controls.