A study of the ultrastructure of the intestines of mice experimentally infected with S. mansoni and treated with praziquantel.

The present experimental work studied the ultrastructural changes occurring in the intestines of mice infected with S. mansoni and treated with praziquantel. Mild degenerative changes of the intestinal cells together with degranulation of the APUD cells were observed. The enterochromaffin cells in the intestines secrete serotonin which is a vaso constrictor and a strong stimulator of the smooth muscles. A possible explanation of the side effects of praziquantel is thus offered.