Participation of endothelial cells in murine schistosomiasis

ABSTRACT

The endothelial cells participate in the morphological events occuring during murine schistosomiasis, taking part in the development of hepatic periovular granuloma. The cells also show an increase in the expression of Factor WIII - related antigen in the portal vessels and hepatic sinusoids during the infection. Endothelial cells are suggested play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease and in the balance of the coagulant - anticoagulant mechanisms which favor the intravascular survial of the parasites