The effect of γ-radiation on the development of infective larvae of Trichostrongylus colubriformis in guinea pigs and sheep

Abstract

Infection of guinea pigs with normal Trichostrongylus colubriformis larvae was characterized by an initial logarithmic decline of total worms recovered over the first few days of infection ("loss phase") followed by a "plateau phase" when worm numbers remained stationary and a third "expulsion phase" when worm numbers again declined logarithmically with time. Irradiation of infective larvae at 50 and 100 kilorads (krad) affected the subsequent pattern of infection by prolonging the initial "loss phase" and contracting the "plateau phase". The rate of decline of total worms during either the "loss phase" or the expulsion phase" was not affected by larval irradiation. Few males were recovered at any stage of infection with larvae irradiated at 50 or 100 krad. However, the irradiated larvae (females) which survived continued development at a rate which was similar to that of normal larvae and it was apparent that these parasites were not able to maintain their position in the small intestine, but continued development during migration towards the posterior. The radiosensitivity of male larvae and worm egg production (eggs in utero) over a range of radiation doses (25 to 100 krad) were remarkably similar. On the other hand, female larvae were clearly less sensitive to v-radiation. These observations suggested that the depressed egg production in females may be due to the absence of males.