Peptides: An Emerging Force in Host Responses to Parasitism

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the impact of parasites, in particular gastrointestinal helminths of vertebrates, on the endocrine systems of their hosts, and other related interactions involving peptides. Subjects covered include changes in gut physiology and morphology resulting from parasitism (general changes in morphology, epithelial cell functioning, and goblet cell activity); the role of the neuroendocrine and immune systems in gut responses to parasitism (effects of parasites on gut hormones and the enteric nervous system, and their effects on the eosinophils and mast cells of the gut immune system); interplay between the neuroendocrine and immune systems (the roles of peptides and cytokines); and a final discussion and conclusion.