Studies on the inhibition of rejection of Trichostrongylus colubriformis larvae from immune sheep.

A total of 8 drugs were examined for their ability to suppress the rejection of Trichostrongylus colubriformis infective larvae (L3) from immune sheep. Specific antagonists of leukotrienes (piroxicam), prostaglandin (indomethacin) and the immunosuppressant cyclosporin A were given orally, while injectable preparations of dexamethasone, chlorpheniramine, BN 52051, WEB 2086 (anti-platelet-activating factor) and theophylline were administered as directed. The drugs were given for 5 days prior to and 4 days after challenge with 20,000 L3, when worm counts were done. Corticosteroids inhibited rejection by around 70% in two experiments, and none of the remaining compounds were effective. In the third study, six of the drugs were given to susceptible sheep and did not affect the establishment of a primary infection with T. colubriformis.