Autoimmunity

Statement of the problem: Helminthiasis is a major infectious disease caused by parasitic helminths and has become a global health problem thus affecting human population. These helminths have also become resistant to available synthetic drugs which lead to a search of natural medicines. Three species of Senna plants were reported to cause structural and biochemical alterations against the cestode parasite Hymenolepis diminuta. Since no studies were made on the effect of these plant extracts on neuro-anatomy structure or co-ordination and energy unit of the parasites, it is thus important to observe if this plant has got any alteration in the structure as these poses important aspects for survival of the parasites.

 

Methodology and Theoretical Orientation: Ethanolic leaf extracts (40mg/ml) of three species of Senna plants were tested against Hymenolepis diminuta. Neurotransmitter activity was studied through its enzyme acetylcholinesterase assay.Immunohistochemical study was done as a supporting experiment for identifying the neuroanatomy using anti Serotonin antibody from rabbit as primary antibody and fl uoresceneisothiocyanate conjugated swine anti rabbit IgG as secondary antibody. Morphology of mitochondria was studied through transmission electron microscopic (TEM) study after fixing the paralysed worms in 3% gluteraldehyde. Findings: Both histochemical and immunohistochemical studies showed changes in the intensity of the stain in treated parasites from control. TEM studies revealed disruption in the outer membrane of the mitochondria as well as its cristae.

 

Conclusion and Significance: Senna plant extracts showed to have an infl uence on the neural structure and coordination as well as on structure of mitochondria of the parasite and can be regarded as a future positive potent anthelmintic drug therapy.