[Immunologic defense and inflammation in parasitic infections. The role of eosinophilic granulocytes]

Abstract

The origin, kinetics and role of eosinophilic granulocytes in immune defense and inflammatory response in parasitism are reviewed. Particular attention was paid to the toxic action of eosinophilic granulocytes on parasites and the biochemical reactions which are of importance in these cases. Reference was also made to the regulatory role of eosinophilic granulocytes in inflammatory reactions, particularly in regard to mast cells. It was concluded that (1) several new insights into the role of eosinophilic granulocytes were gained in recent years, (2) that these cells can at any rate be said to have a dual function (viz. a directly parasitotoxic and regulatory role) and (3) a definite statement regarding the role of eosinophilic granulocytes in helminthic infections cannot so far be made.