The activity of alkaline and acid phosphatase and non-specific esterase in experimental bovine cysticercosis at different stages of development.

The activity of alkaline and acid phosphatase and non-specific esterase was detected both in the parasite and in the tissue reaction on days 21, 23, 42, 168 and 261 after experimental infection. A very high activity of all enzymes was found in 21- and 23-day-old C. bovis in the tegument of whole bladder. In 42, 168 and 261 days old cysticerci the activity of alkaline acid phosphatase was limited only to a part of bladder surrounding the opening of the spinal canal, whereas the activity of non-specific esterase was present in the whole bladder. The activity of non-specific esterase was localized in subtegumental cells of the bladder wall and in small bodies in the bladder and scolex. These bodies increased in number with the age of the cysticercus. In the tissue reaction, a high activity of alkaline phosphatase was detected only in the period of about 20 days after infection in the layer of activated fibroblasts. The activity of acid phosphatase was demonstrated in the tissue reaction in all time periods and was localized in the histiocytes, macrophages, necrotic exudate, necrotic foci and pigment cells at the periphery of tissue reaction. These cells exhibited also the activity of non-specific esterase.