Acetylcholinesterase of Schistosoma mansoni: antigenic cross‐reactivity with Electrophorus electricus and its functional implications

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of the parasite Schistosoma mansoni cross‐reacts with rabbit antibodies against AChE from the electric eel. Cross‐reactivity was demonstrated by radioimmunoassay with sonicate, as well as soluble, preparations from various stages of the parasite life cycle. On sucrose density gradient, the parasite enzyme migrates as an 7.5 S form, whereas an 9.5 S peak is observed with the enzyme‐antibody complex. Immunofluorescence microscopy shows specific staining of intact schistosomula as well as of adult worms. Moreover, the interaction of these antibodies resulted in a marked complement‐dependent cytotoxicity towards intact schistosomula, indicating that AChE is an antigen of significance on the surface of the parasite.