The process of repairing intestinal vascular lesions
induced by schistosomiasis in mice was studied before and
after curative chemotherapy, by means of histopathology
coupled with injections of the mesenteric veins with India
ink or plastic, in this case followed by corrosion in
strong acid.
The granulomas were avascular, mainly formed while
within blood vessels, and were associated with distortion
of the intestinal vasculature in their proximity,
represented by tortuosities, focal dilatation, narrowing,
and anastomosis of the mucosal and submucosal veins. Two to
four months after cure of schistosontiasis involuting
granulomas were seen to be slowly vascularized, a process
going from the periphery toward the center of the
granulomas. No intravascular granulomas were seen four
months after treatment. The previously distorted mucosal
and submucosal veins gradually regained their normal
appearance, only a slight tortuosity remaining.
