CHARACTERIZATION OF SALIVARY-GLAND ANTIGENS OF TRIATOMA-INFESTANS ANDANTIGEN-SPECIFIC SERUM ANTIBODY-RESPONSE IN MICE EXPOSED TO BITES OF T-INFESTANS

In mice, the antigen-specific serum antibody response following exposu re to bites of Triatoma infestans nymphs and adults was determined usi ng enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The second and the third exposure to T infestans bites resulted in higher antibody levels than during the primary exposure. Antigen-specific antibody development wa s faster in mice exposed to bites of nymphs than in mice exposed to ad ults; however, a higher antibody level was found in mice bitten by adu lt bugs. Protein components of T infestans saliva were characterised u sing electrophoretic and blotting techniques. The immunoblotting patte rns were similar in mice exposed to insect bites of various developmen tal stages. Antigen-specific serum antibodies reacted only with high m olecular mass components (two double bands of 100 and 120 kDa, and the 80 kDa antigen). The 80 kDa component was glycosylated. Affinity to l ectin derived from Pisum sativum revealed the presence of a bi- or tri antennary complex type of glycan. There were similar glycan structures in the main glycoprotein components of T. infestans saliva at 18-35 k Da; however, the components did not react with antibodies of mice expo sed to insect bites.