Mast cells enter a teleost's brain by Xth cranial nerve in response toDiplostomum phoxini (Trematoda)

Summary Experimental infection byDiplostomum phoxini of the brain of laboratory hatched and rearedPhoxinus phoxinus induces the migration along the Xth cranial nerve of periodic acid Schiff positive granular leucocytes (PAS-GLs). These differentiate and grow into cells that lie between the parasite and the neurones of the host. The transformed cells are associated with elevated levels of heparin and serotonin in the brain; little histamine was detected. The reactive cell is identified as a mast cell.This work was carried out with M.R.L. Johnston's guidance. Teresa Townshend is thanked for assistance with techniques to hatch and raiseP. phoxinus.