[Antibody mediated adherence of rat peritoneal exudate cells to Trichinella spiralis larvae].

Washed peritoneal exudate cells from rats firmly adhere to Trichinella spiralis larvae in the presence of serum containing anti-Trichinella antibodies. This effect is observed when muscle larvae, cells and dilutions of antisera are incubated for 1 h at 37 degrees C.. No adherence takes place at 4 degrees. Whole serum or its gammaglobulin fraction are active and the effect is inhibited by the addition of Trichinella antigens. Complement is not essential since antiserum heated for 2 h at 56 degrees is active. Washed cells from infested animals do not adhere to the larvae in the absence of antiserum, but normal cells adhere to larvae previously incubated with antisera. It is suggested that the adherence phenomenon is due to the activation of cells by a complex of antigen and antibody formed on the surface of the larvae.