Malaria vaccination with preparations of microgametes has been shown to inhibit transmission of Plasmodium spp. to the mosquito vectors of avian, rodent and simian parasites. This transmission-blocking immunity results from the induction of microgamete-agglutinating antibodies in the vaccinated host which, when ingested in a mosquito blood meal, react with exflagellating microgametes in the midgut to prevent fertilization and oocyst development. Here we have passively transferred the immunity with gamete-specific monoclonal antibodies raised against the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis, and an IgG2a isotype monoclonal antibody from a hybridoma cell line, PYG-1, has been used to identify the target antigens on the gametes and to affinity-purify sufficient quantities of specific gamete antigen to facilitate vaccination studies. This transmission-blocking monoclonal antibody immunoprecipitated microgamete antigens of apparent relative molecular mass (Mr), 67K (67,000), 59K, 57K, 42K and 35K. Immunization of mice with these proteins before infection and mosquito feeding led to a 85-99.7% reduction in transmission to the mosquito vector; vaccination via intravenous or intramuscular routes was equally effective and did not require an adjuvant.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Parathion toxicity in perinatal rats born to spontaneously hypertensive dams.

Placental transfer and fetal toxicity of pesticides have been documented in normotensive rats but no reports appear in the literature regarding the susceptibility of spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) perinates to pesticide challenge. This report describes the effects of prolonged parathion exposure to perinatal rats born to hypertensive dams. Ninety day old, spontaneously hypertensive (WKY strain) male and female rats were bred and vaginal plugs were used to determine that copulation had occurred. Parathion (0.01, 0.10 and 1.00 mg/kg) suspended in peanut oil was administered daily to the dam via oral intubation from day one of gestation to day fifteen of lactation, a total of thirty-seven days. On day twenty-four post partum the perinates were examined. Male and female SHR perinates exhibited a significant reduction in plasma cholinesterase at the 1.00 mg/kg dose level. Changes in relative organ weights, hematological parameters and serum enzymes were found. Heart rate was significantly reduced at the 0.01 mg/kg and 0.10 mg/kg dose levels. The results of this study indicate that exposure of SHR dams to parathion during gestation and lactation resulted in toxicological effects in the perinate basically similar to those seen in normotensive perinates.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

An unusual parotid tumor.

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Adenocarcinoma, Papillary↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Acute pancreatitis caused by biliary ascaris in pregnancy.

Ascaris lumbroicoides is the most prevalent human parasite worldwide. Although usually asymptomatic, ascaris is responsible for a variety of severe complications such as intestinal obstruction, cholangitis, or hepatitis, which are caused by worm migration. This article is the second known case report of pancreatitis caused by biliary ascaris during pregnancy. We also review the pathophysiology of this disease and review the various treatment modalities available for pregnant patients. We believe that because of the growing influx of immigrants from endemic areas into the United States, the clinician needs a basic understanding of the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of biliary ascarasis.

Acute Disease↗