Functional correlations between mucosal mast cell activity and immunity to Trichinella spiralis in high and low responder mice.

Levels of intestinal mast cell protease (IMCP) were quantified in serum, gut tissue and in intestinal fluids taken from mice infected with Trichinella spiralis during primary and secondary infections. The ability to generate a mast cell response was dependent on the response phenotype of the mouse strain used. The mast cell response in rapid responder mice (NIH) occurred sooner and was more pronounced than in either intermediate (SWR) and low responder (B1O) mice. This pattern was also reflected in the concentration of IMCP found in various tissues examined. The correlations between IMCP concentrations in blood, and worm expulsion, are discussed.