CATECHOLAMINES AND ENCEPHALITOZOONOSIS IN RABBITS

Twenty four rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus f. domestica) were used to detect specific anti-Encephalitozoon cuniculi antibodies. To identify microsporidian infection, a haemolytic test in agar gel was carried ou t. Blood samples of animals with and without spontaneous encephalitozo onosis were evaluated, and compared for the presence of epinephrine (E PI), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA). Rabbits infected spontane ously with E. cuniculi had significantly lower levels of catecholamine s than healthy animals. This decrease in catecholamines is of special interest because of their role as factors modifying the immune respons e. These neuromediators also have different influences on the function of immune cells. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.