A role for 17-beta-estradiol in immunoendocrine regulation of murine cysticercosis (Taenia crassiceps).

In experimental murine cysticercosis caused by Taenia crassiceps, parasite reproduction is favored by thymectomy or by orchidectomy, and restricted by ovariectomy. Hormonal reconstitution experiments showed that 17-beta-estradiol increases parasite numbers whereas 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone was ineffective. Parasite numbers decreased with increments in cellular immunity but were insensitive to antibody levels. A possible immunoendocrinological interaction involving estrogen as a depressor of cellular immunity is envisaged in the control of cysticercosis.