Participation of endothelial cells in murine schistosomiasis.

The endothelial cells participate in the morphological events occurring during murine schistosomiasis, taking part in the development of hepatic periovular granuloma. The cells also show an increase in the expression of Factor VIII-related antigen in the portal vessels and hepatic sinusoids during the infection. Endothelial cells are suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease and in the balance of the coagulant-anticoagulant mechanisms which favor the intravascular survival of the parasites.