Role of platelets in the in vivo removal of T. cruzi from circulation.

The possible role of platelets in the clearance of Trypanosoma cruzi was studied in vivo in A/sn female mice. Platelet depletion achieved by anti-platelet IgG antibodies induced a significant, though not total, reduction in the rate of removal of T. cruzi bloodstream trypomastigotes (BTRYS) from the circulation. Furthermore, during removal of T. cruzi BTRYS from the circulation of normal mice there was a simultaneous decrease in the number of platelets. These results suggest that platelets play a role in the in vivo mechanism of defense against T. cruzi infection.