Degradation of extracellular matrix by larvae of Schistosoma mansoni. II. Degradation by newly transformed and developing schistosomula.

We have studied the ability of schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni to degrade an extracellular connective tissue matrix synthesized by rat vascular smooth muscle cells in culture. Six to 12% of the total matrix was degraded by schistosomula from the time of transformation from cercariae to adult development in vitro. Most matrix degradation occurred during the first 24 hours of incubation and was dependent on the number of schistosomula and the type of medium in which they were incubated. The use of proteinase inhibitors indicated that schistosomula activity was distinctly different from that of cercariae. Newly transformed schistosomula expressed one activity that was similar in inhibition characteristics to that of cercarial preacetabular gland secretions and another activity that was unique to schistosomula. From 1 day after transformation to adulthood, the schistosomula-derived activity was the predominant activity detected. Schistosomula degraded a smaller percentage of the total matrix than did cercariae and showed a different substrate profile. Schistosomula degraded glycoprotein components of extracellular matrix but showed little or no activity against elastin or collagen. Matrix-degrading activity was also detected in schistosomula-conditioned medium. Sedimentation of the activity and lack of permeability through filter barriers suggest that the enzyme may be initially associated with membrane and then sloughed with membrane fragments. Since the schistosomula-derived activity initially overlaps with cercarial preacetabular gland proteolytic activity, the two activities may act in concert to facilitate skin penetration by newly transformed schistosomula. However, schistosomula activity probably serves some, as yet undetermined, function later in development.