Activities of scavenging enzymes of oxygen radicals in early maturation stages of Paragonimus westermani

In early maturation stages of Paragonimus westermani (metacercariae, 4-, 8-, 12-week old worms), activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and glutathione peroxidase, were examined. Specific activity of catalase was the highest in metacercariae and decreasing with age. That of superoxide dismutase was higher in metacercariae and 4-week worms. Specific activity of peroxidase was at its peak in 4-week worms while that of glutathione peroxidase was in 8-week worms. Specific activities of all these antioxidant enzymes were decreased to their lowest in 12-week old adults.