The cells observed inside capsules of larvae in the course of experimental trichinellosis in mice

In the course of trichinellosis in mice the numerous cells inside larval capsules were observed. Beginning on 14 day post infection (dpi) they were seen in about 7% of infected muscles fibers but at 21 dpi the percentage of capsules with the cells amounted to 77. In the next stage of infection the number of capsules containing cells continued to increase and reach almost 100% at 60 dpi. The identification of the cells was carried out by the indirect immunoenzymatic method using anti-CD4⁺, anti-CD8⁺ and anti-macrophage (Mac-1 antigen) monoclonal antibodies. In course of observation the level of CD4⁺ cells decreased from 11.3 to 0.7, of CD8⁺ from 17.7 to 3.0 and of macrophages from 71.0 to 23.1 %. The most numerous CD4⁺ cells were seen at 14 dpi while the CD8⁺ and macrophages at 21 dpi. Beginning on 28 dpi negatively reacting cells inside larval capsules were also observed. The number of these cells increased from 23.8 to 73.2% at 60 dpi and their identification requires further investigations. The role and the function of all these cells are discussed.