RESUMO
This study was carried out on 70 Albino rats classified into 3 groups. Group I, of 10 rats [control], Group II, of 30 rats infected with T. spiralis, Group III, of 30 rats, infected with T. spiralis and immunosuppressed with dexamethasone. Rats were sacrificed on the 8th,15th and 21th days postinfection. At each day of sacrification, histological examination, adult worms count, goblet cells and mucosal mast cells count were done. The results showed that in GII there were shortening of villi, prominent lengthening of the crypts, high significant increase of goblet cells and mucosal mast cells numbers during worms expulsion and most of adult worms were expelled at 15th day post infection. GIII, showed marked atrophy of the villi and crypts, high significant decrease of goblet cells and mucosal mast cells numbers and significant delay of adult worms expulsion. The authors concluded that goblet cells and mucosal mast cells play an important role in T. spiralis expulsion and immunosuppression led to dalay expulsion of T. spiralis