[Effect of proteolytic enzymes on the penetration of Trypanosoma cruzi in peritoneal macrophages of mice].

The present study deals on the modifications produced by three proteolytic enzymes in the interiorization of cultured metacyclic forms of Trypanosoma cruzi in peritoneal macrophages of non-stimulated mice. The proteolytic enzymes used were trypsin, papain and collagenase. Pretreatment of metacyclic forms or macrophages with the enzymes resulted in lower penetration ratios with respect to controls. On the other hand, percentages of parasitization were maintained throughout the periods of time assayed.