effect of infection of the filarial parasite brugia malayi - Pondicherry ...

increase in the control animals (Figs. I08 & 109). And the enzyme, acetylcholinesterase was
found to decrease s ~~ficantl~ (p4.05) 6om 0 day to 120 days.
4.2.23 Haematological parameters.
The effect of parasitic development on some haematological parameters was studied
(Figs. 110-1 13). The hemoglobin levels and RBC counts in the infected animals were fokd
to fall within the normal physiological range (Appendix). The total WBC count in the
infected animals was significantly w0.05) lower than the normal values.
A significant decrease w0.05) was observed in the absolute count of lymphocytes
after 80 days post infection, while the eosinophil and neutrophil count increased significantly
(F0.0 I ).
4.23 DISCUSSION
4.23.1 Membrane bound enzymes of brain.
Membrane bound enzymes such as Na'K' ATPase, M ~ ATPase, ~ * ca2* ATPase,
plays an important role in the maintenance of the ionic gradient between the ~nbacellular and
exhacellular compartments of the cell (Trump et al., 1979). Acetylcholinesterase is involved
in the banmission of nerve impulses. N ay ATPase plays an important role in the active
eansport of ~ aand ' K* ions (Mahaboob Basha and Nayeemunnisha, 1993), conduction of
nerve impulses and synaptic function in the brain (McIlwah 1969; Sweadner, 1979). M~~
ATPase and ca2' ATPase have been found to regulate ionic pumps in the CNS (Farber,
1982).
In the present study, the activity of NaX' ATPase, M ~" ATPase and ca2' ATPase
of the CNS daeaxd to significant levels. ATPases depend on lipids and thiol groups to
maintain their structure and function (Gamer et a/., 1983; h hh, 1980; Shalev et al., 1981).
Oxygen fne radical production during B.mahyi infection leads to oxidation of thiol groups
(SCC 4.1.2.1.8). This decrease in Na'K' ATPase may be aseociated to l$t decrease in the thiol
level as stated earlier. Thc reduced activity of N~'K' ATPase leads to decreasg: in sodiwn
9 0