Murine eosinophilopoiesis: dose-dependent response to soluble antigens of Schistosoma mansoni.

Initial and (or) subsequent exposures of animals to selected antigens result in impressive accumulations of eosinophil granulocytes at the site of challenge. When it has been studied, the exudation is accompanied by an increase in medullary eosinophilopoiesis. The medullary response is proportional to the amount of antigen used to induce the exudate as shown by responses to single challenge injections with graded doses of a soluble antigen preparation from schistosome eggs (SEA). Attempts were made to mimic the continuous antigen challenge of chronic schistosomiasis by use of osmotic minipumps and intermittent injections with SEA. These did not result in prolonged increases of marrow eosinophilopoiesis for reasons which remain unclear.