Importance of cytokines production during Hymenolepis nana primary and challenge infection

The function of cytokines produced during Hymenolepis nana infection in mice in protective immunity against reinfection was studied. IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-4 in aqueous intestinal extracts were assayed during primary and challenge infection. The results showed that, after primary infection with H.nana eggs, the levels of all cytokines [IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-4] started to increase from days 3-5 post - infection when the parasites are thought to begin their luminal phase, while challenge infection, stimulates a significant increase in their levels. All the parasites derived from the primary infection were markedly decreased and the cysticercoids can't be observed after challenge infection