Catecholamines and encephalitozoonosis in rabbits.

Twenty four rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus f. domestica) were used to detect specific anti-Encephalitozoon cuniculi antibodies. To identify microsporidian infection, a haemolytic test in agar gel was carried out. Blood samples of animals with and without spontaneous encephalitozoonosis were evaluated, and compared for the presence of epinephrine (EPI), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA). Rabbits infected spontaneously with E. cuniculi had significantly lower levels of catecholamines than healthy animals. This decrease in catecholamines is of special interest because of their role as factors modifying the immune response. These neuromediators also have different influences on the function of immune cells.