effect of some immunosuppressive drugs on schistosomal granuloma formation in the liver of mice

ABSTRACT

The effect of immunosuppressive drugs on schistosomal granuloma formation in the liver of mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni has been studied. Forty-five male albino mice were chosen. Five animals were used as control and the remaining mice were infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Ten infected animals were given daily subcutaneous injections of saline [placebo]. Ten animals were given daily subcutaneous injections of fluocinolone acetonide. Ten were given azathioprine intraperitoneal and the remaining ten animals were given daily intraperitoneal methotrexate. The injections were repeated for ten days in all the groups. The results showed that animals given fluocinolone acetonide had more or less the same number and size of schistosomal granuloma as those given placebo, but there were scattered necrotic parenchymal cells. Moreover, 40% of animals given methotrexate showed areas of cellular vacuolation and necrosis of liver cells