Since the internal defense system of mollusks consists of
cellular and humoral mechanisms, we examined the role of hydrocortisone
in mollusks defense cells and the influence of this steroid on the development
of
Schistosoma mansoni
in its intermediary host. Hydrocortisone had an immunosuppressive action
in
Biomphalaria glabrata
, as reflected in the reduced number of defense cells and the altered cell
physiology. Histopathological analysis showed that hydrocortisone facilitated
the intramolluscan development of
S. mansoni
, by reducing the extent of the inflammatory response, seen as a greater
number of viable sporocysts with no surrounding hemocytes.
