Functional ultrastructure of the hexacanth larvae in the bothriocephalidean cestode Eubothrium salvelini (Schrank, 1790) and its phylogenetic implications

Parasitology International
Daniel MłocickiDavid Bruce Conn

Abstract

Functional ultrastructure and its phylogenic implications in the bothriocephalid cestode Eubothrium salvelini (Schrank, 1790) are described and discussed. The infective hexacanth shows bilateral symmetry in cellular organization. The mature hexacanth is armed with three pairs of oncospheral hooks of a heterogeneous electron density. It is covered by a thin layer of the oncospheral tegument, possessing characteristic bubble-like processes at the surface. Within the infective hexacanth larva five cell types were distinguished: (1) a binucleated subtegumental cell; (2) the U-shaped, tetranucleated penetration gland; (3) two nerve cells; (4) three types of somatic cells represented by: i) myocytons of both somatic and hook musculature, ii) numerous degenerating micromeres with pycnotic nuclei and iii) a new oncospheral cell type, the interstitial cell, that has never been observed in any other hexacanth; and (5) large germinative cells with characteristic prominent nucleoli in their large spherical nuclei. Functions of all the cell types are described on the basis of the obtained ultrastructural characteristics and previously published reports. The mode of the penetration gland secretion is classified as apocrine. Flame cells have ...Continue Reading

References

Jun 1, 1967·Experimental Parasitology·K Rybicka
Nov 4, 2009·International Journal for Parasitology·Abdul JabbarMarshall W Lightowlers

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