Effect of praziquantel on the distribution of interstitial collagen types I and III and basement membrane collagen types IV and V in murine hepatic schistosomiasis

The effect of specific chemotherapy (praziquantel) on liver function tests and on the distribution of collagen types I, III, IV and V was studied by indirect immunofluorescence in Swiss albino mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Treatment was started at 7 and 12 weeks after infection. Groups of treated and non-treated mice were killed 14 and 20 weeks after infection. Reduction in the amount of collagen and improvement of liver function were observed, especially when treatment was initiated early (7 weeks after infection), while collagen type III almost disappeared during the period of observation (13 weeks after treatment). The results indicate the importance of early specific treatment for schistosomiasis.