Unisexual murine schistosomiasis: portal hepatitis in subacute infections.

Liver changes induced by unisexual male infection with S. mansoni were studied in mice during 2-20 weeks post-infection, in order to distinguish changes related to released worm substances from changes related to schistosome egg deposition. In subacute unisexual infection the venous wall appears as the target for inflammation which remains focal for a long time and affects limited segments of the main portal veins. Schistosomal pigment deposited in the lobule does not induce inflammatory or fibrogenic reactions.