Progesterone Induces Scolex Evagination of the Human ParasiteTaenia solium: Evolutionary Implications to the Host-Parasite Relationship

[摘要] Taenia soliumcysticercosis is a health problem in underdeveloped and developed countries. Sex hormones are involved in cysticercosis prevalence in female and male pigs. Here, we evaluated the effects of progesterone and its antagonist RU486 on scolex evagination, which is the initial step in the development of the adult worm. Interestingly, progesterone increasedT. soliumscolex evagination and worm growth, in a concentration-independent pattern. Progesterone effects could be mediated by a novelT. soliumprogesterone receptor (TsPR), since RU486 inhibits both scolex evagination and worm development induced by progesterone. Using RT-PCR and western blot, sequences related to progesterone receptor were detected in the parasite. A phylogenetic analysis reveals that TsPR is highly related to fish and amphibian progesterone receptors, whereas it has a distant relation with birds and mammals. Conclusively, progesterone directly acts uponT. soliumcysticerci, possibly through its binding to a progesterone receptor synthesized by the parasite.

[学科分类] 基础医学