Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2009
The present investigation has shown that combined treatment with dexamethasone and prednisolone or with hydrocortisone and dexamethasone enhances the susceptibility of albino rats to Paragonimus miyazakii, presumably by suppressing the host’s immune responses. In the rats given these combined treatments, the size and egg production of worms were markedly increased. Use of dexamethasone or prednisolone alone had relatively little influence on the growth and maturity of P. miyazakii. In serological analysis and agar double diffusion, considerable differences were recognized between the gamma-globulin fractions and antigen-antibody systems (Precipitin bands) of the treated groups and the untreated group. The mechanism of action of these immunosuppressants in this system remains obscure.