RESUMO
The effects of stilbestrol d testosterone on schistosoma infected mice were studied. Stilbestrol increased the death rate of infected mice, aggravated the schistosomal hyperplasia. Testosterone, on the other hand, significantly diminished the death rate, protected the liver from many of the deleterious effects produced by schistosomasis and minimized the stimulating effect on the lymphoreticular system. The role played by stilbestrol on lymphoreticular hyperplasia and its possible relation to lymphoma in schistosoma infected patients is discussed. The possible therapeutic value of the male hormone, testosterone, in males infected with schistosomiasis is suggested and the possible danger of contraceptive pills [containing oestrogen] in females infected with schistosomiash is raised