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Strongyloides ratti in virgin female rats: studies of oestrous cycle effects and general variability

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

P. A. G. Wilson
Affiliation:
University of Edinburgh, Department of Zoology, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JT
Maureen Cameron*
Affiliation:
University of Edinburgh, Department of Zoology, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JT
D. S. Scott
Affiliation:
University of Edinburgh, Department of Zoology, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JT
*
*Previously Maureen Gentle.

Summary

There were no differences in mean intestinal worm burdens 8 days after subcutaneous injection of 4000 infective larvae of Strongyloides ratti into rats in dioestrus, pro-oestrus, oestrus and metoestrus. Thus, changes in the hormonal environment of the migrating larvae dependent on the oestrous cycle did not alter the worms' destination or affect their potential for development. In particular, the results are prima facie evidence that prolactin is not, on its own, responsible for the re-orientation of larvae in the tissues of nursing mothers. Other sources of variability in experimental S. ratti infections are analysed and the ‘exact dose’ technique offered as a corrective for some procedural errors.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1978

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References

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