Capillaria hepatica: Relation of structure and composition of egg shell to antigen release

Clean, nonembryonated Capillaria hepatica eggs recovered from infected liver tissue by physical methods as well as eggs obtained after passage through the mouse gastrointestinal tract were examined with the electron microscope. In eggs collected by physical methods the outer membrane showed defects where it was lacking at various points or disrupted. The pillars of the outer shell were frequently broken or fractured resulting in virtual collapse or separation of the outer shell from the inner shell. No shell matrix was observed in any eggs examined. Even more dramatic effects were observed in eggs recovered following passage through the mouse gastrointestinal tract. Clean, nonembryonated eggs collected by physical methods were suspended at 5 C in phosphate-buffered saline. A large amount of protein was released initially into the medium; the amount released then fell to a low level at which it remained for several weeks. Gel diffusion tests with concentrated protein supernatant and C. hepatica egg-derived antigen were compared using appropriate antisera. Bands of identity were present in both; however, egg antigen contained other proteins not present in egg supernatant. These studies indicate that during physical collection of C. hepatica eggs, sufficient damage occurs to allow for the release of materials into host tissue during experimental egg granuloma formation. An hypothesis is presented concerning the viability of C. hepatica eggs in host liver tissue following host cellular response and the possible modes of action which trigger development of eggs after release from infected liver.