DIVERSITY AND COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON BULINUS SNAILS COLLECTED FROM TWO LOCALITIES IN EGYPT.

A comparative study of the shell structure, seasonal temperature and Calcium content of Bulinus snails from two areas (Damietta and Giza) in Egypt was done and compared with laboratory snails from Schistosome Biological Supply Center (SBSC). The shells of collected snails identified as Bulinus truncatus, showed a wide variation in shape. The results showed a significant differences were detected between the populations from SBSC and Damietta (p<0.

Immunological and molecular detection of digenetic infections in different species of Egyptian freshwater snails.

Due to the possibility of utilizing different snails in the combat of Schistosoma in Egypt; it is important to study the role it may play in transmitting other trematodes of medical and veterinary importance. Taking this background into consideration, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was designed to identify trematode species at larval stages in intermediate hosts (cercariae in snails) using a combination of standard and molecular methods. This PCR assay was also applied to naturally infected molluscan in order to assess the use of the procedure for detection.

Osteoclastogenesis and lymph node organogenesis in different species of Egyptian rats.

The development of lymphoid organs depends on the correct expression of several molecules within a defined timeframe during ontogeny. Although this is an extremely complex process, with each secondary lymphoid tissue requiring subtly different signals, a common framework for lymphoid development is beginning to emerge. Bone remodeling is tightly regulated by a molecular trial composed of OPG/RANK/RANKL.

Alterations of immune functions in heroin addicts.

The alteration of peripheral blood T-and B-lymphocyte proliferative responses were determined during different periods of withdrawal in heroin (Hw) and heroin / bhang (HBw) addicts. The results clearly demonstrated a significant decrease in the response of T- lymphocytes to PHA-stimulation and secretion of IL-2 in both Hw and HBw addicts. The in vitro presence of naloxone induced further inhibition of the PHA proliferative response and IL-2 production.

Association of immune responses to mycobacterium tuberculosis peptide antigens with host genetic factors.

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR), based on insertion sequence IS6110, was developed to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex organisms in the blood samples of 56 tuberculosis patients and 34 healthy controls. The early secreted antigenic target 6-KDa (ESAT-6) are used to stimulate T lymphocyte subsets from tuberculosis-infected patients and the correlation of these immune responses to the genetic factors (HLA type) which determined the host immune response is evaluated. ESAT-6 derived peptides: P1 (1.

Immune response of mice infested by Hyalomma dromedarii ticks infected with entomopathogenic nematodes.

In the present work, the total leucocytes count of infested mice with ticks Hyalomma dromedarii infected with nematodes showed significant increase than infested group with ticks only. The infested group of mice with ticks and infested mice with ticks and nematodes showed a markedly significant drop in the erythrocytes count. The results showed a highly significant decrease in Hb concentration, and HCT percentage for mice infested with ticks and a marked increase with ticks infected with nematodes.

Cellular and humoral immune responses to recombinant Smp17.7 Schistosoma mansoni antigen.

To determine the immunological responses to S. mansoni antigen rSmp17.7, a total of 184 subjects, 174 patients from a schistosomiasis endemic area, and 10 controls were used.

A possible role for an enkephalinergic system in the internal defense mechanism of Biomphalaria alexandrina exposed to Schistosoma mansoni.

The present study documents that in Bioniphalaria alexandrina coordinated responses to Schistosoma mansoni infection are modulated by receptor-mediated opioid signals. Rather comprehensive tests in susceptible and resistant snails have demonstrated: I- the presence of an endogenaus opioids in the snail hemolymph (in particular, Leu-enkephalin-like material). II- in vitro treatment of snail hemocytes with synthetic Leu-enkephalin analogue (DADLE) resulted in the modulation of cellular adherence, and phagocytic activity.

Biomphalaria alexandrina: cellular responses of susceptible and resistant snails to Schistosoma mansoni infection.

Distribution pattern of Schistosoma mansoni miracidia level of host susceptility/resistance and the basic cellular responses brought into play during the parasite development. Several snail stocks showed a wide spectrum of host reaction to the parasite. From the present study, a vigorous "resistant-type" cellular response to invading miracidia is seen in the histological sections of non-susceptible snails.

Ultrastructure of phagocytic cells in the spleen of Psammophis sibilans (serpentes: Colubridae).

The spleen of Psammophis sibilans is composed mainly of red pulp, the white pulp being poorly developed. The white pulp lymphoid clusters are scattered throughout the organ and contain lymphocytes, reticular cells, and some plasma cells. The red pulp consists of reticular cells intermingled with blood cells, sinusoids, and melanomacrophage centers (MMCs).