Fasciola hepatica: tegumental changes induced in vitro by the deacetylated (amine) metabolite of diamphenethide

The effect of the deacetylated (amine) metabolite of diamphenethide (10 mugm/ml) on the tegument of Fasciola hepatica over a 24 hr period in vitro has been determined by means of transmission electron microscopy. In the tegumental syncytium, there is an initial accumulation of T2 secretory bodies at the apical surface (after 6 hr), together with increased exocytosis of secretory bodies and blebbing of the surface membrane. After 9 hr, the two surfaces of the fluke show different tegumental responses to drug treatment with a marked swelling of the basal infolds in the dorsal tegument, while the ventral tegument remains normal. By 18 hr, the swelling in the dorsal tegument is very severe, the entire basal region becoming edematous. In some areas, the tegument becomes detached to expose the basal lamina. The ventral tegument retains a fairly normal morphology, although there is a slight swelling of the basal infolds. The edema spreads internally to the cell bodies, beginning after 9 hr on the dorsal side of the fluke and 18 hr on the ventral side. By 18 hr, the flooding on the dorsal side is very severe and the cells attenuated, retaining few contacts with the surrounding parenchyma. From 9 hr onwards, there are progressive changes in cell structure, including a decrease in amount of granular endoplasmic reticulum and extent of its ribosomal covering, a decrease in numbers of secretory bodies, a swelling of the trans-most Golgi cisternae and disruption of the release of secretory bodies, and a swelling and disorganization of the mitochondria. The results are discussed in relation to the postulated activity of the deacetylated (amine) metabolite of diamphenethide as a Na+ ionophore.

The seasonal occurrence of Trilocularia acanthiaevulgaris (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea) from spiny dogfish in the Irish Sea

Trilocularia acanthiaevulgaris occurs in the stomach and spiral valve of the spiny dogfish. Statistical analyses show that the stomach and spiral valve worms of male fish and the stomach worms of female fish exhibit seasonal trends in prevalence and mean worm burden, with peaks occurring in May, June and July of each year. Spiral valve worms of female fish do not show this trend. Calculation of the product-moment correlation coefficient shows that the peak in the number of stomach worms occurs approximately 1 month before that of spiral valve worms in male fish. Strobilization of the adult spiral valve worms and development of the resulting free proglottides is also seasonal, and takes place in June/July in both sexes. Seasonal trends in prevalence, mean worm burden and maturation of T. acanthiaevulgaris may be related to water temperature, and the cyclical changes in levels of reproductive hormones and thyroid activity associated with migration and mating of spiny dogfish. It is suggested that the availability of infected intermediate hosts and diet of the dogfish may also be important in explaining the seasonality of infection.

Fasciola hepatica: motility response to metabolic inhibitors in vitro

The effects of metabolic inhibitors on the in vitro motility of Fasciola hepatica have been determined by means of an isometric transducer system. Sodium fluoride, an inhibitor of glycolysis, causes a long-term suppression of motility; this is also the effect of sodium iodoacetate (another glycolysis inhibitor) at low concentrations (1 X 10(-5) M and below). However, higher concentrations of iodoacetate induce a rapid inhibition of activity leading to a spastic paralysis. Both rotenone and oligomycin, which act as inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation, produce a long-term suppression of movement. Carbonylcyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone and carbonylcyanide-m-chlorophenylhydrazone, which are uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation, induce a spastic paralysis of the fluke; this is rapid at high concentrations (1 X 10(-4) and 1 X 10(-5) M). A brief stimulation of activity is evident at 1 X 10(-5) M and lasts longer at 1 X 10(-6) and 1 X 10(-7) M, before inhibition sets in. There is no stimulation at low concentrations of carbonyl cyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (1 X 10(-8) and 1 X 10(-9) M), only inhibition leading to a medium-term spastic paralysis. In contrast, a third uncoupler, 2,4-dinitrophenol, causes a flaccid paralysis and the effect is rapid only at high concentrations, being accompanied by an initial increase in muscle tone at 1 X 10(-2) M and a brief stimulation of motility at 1 X 10(-3) M. Stimulation lasts longer at 1 X 10(-4) and 1 X 10(-5) M, but is not evident at concentrations below this. The effects on motility at these lower concentrations are essentially long term in nature. That the rapid effects of the uncouplers on muscle tone and motility are not due primarily to uncoupling is shown by 2,4,6-trinitrophenol and hydroquinone, compounds structurally related to 2,4-dinitrophenol. 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol is a membrane-impermeable compound devoid of uncoupling activity; at 1 X 10(-3) M, it causes an immediate inhibition of activity and increase in muscle tone. The antioxidant hydroquinone produces an initial stimulation of motility with some increase in tone, but this is followed by a sharp decline and a short-term flaccid paralysis. The results are discussed in relation to the postulated effects of certain fasciolicides on the energy metabolism of the liver fluke.

An assessment of the suitability of a modified technique of in situ rat-liver perfusion for the study of certain hepatic drug-drug interactions

A modified technique of in situ rat-liver perfusion has been developed. Minor modifications were made for practical purposes to an existing technique including: the use of sterile Krebs Henseleit buffer to reduce contamination of perfusion medium which inhibits perfusion rate at the end of a perfusion period; the use of erythrocytes from 5-10-day-old whole human blood to provide a lysis-free oxygen-carrying component of the perfusion medium; the introduction of a sampling and flow-rate device into the reservoir that allows repetitive and accurate monitoring of hepatic blood flow (+/- 0.1 ml/min) and also simplifies sampling of venous hepatic blood; a magnetic support for the hepatic portal vein cannula to provide an easily adjustable yet firm support for the cannula and thus reduce the risk of damage to the vessel wall. Various physiological parameters of the model were investigated. These include: bile flow rate; bile acid content of bile; K+, Na+, and Ca++ content of bile; percent of a bromosulphophthalein dose excreted; oxygen consumption of perfused livers; phenytoin disposition; glycogen content; acid phosphatase activity; and the fine structure of hepatocytes. These parameters were compared with literature and in vivo experimental values, and the results suggest that the model should be suitable for the study of metabolic drug-drug interactions occurring in the rat liver.

Fasciola hepatica: the effects of neuropharmacological agents upon in vitro motility

The effects of a wide range of neuropharmacological agents on the motility in vitro of Fasciola hepatica have been determined using an isometric transducer system. The neuromuscular blocking agents tubocurarine and decamethonium cause a long-term stimulation of the basal activity of the fluke. Acetylcholine causes an inhibition of activity. This effect is mimicked by the cholinergic agonists carbachol and nicotine, antagonised by the cholinergic blocking agents atropine and mecamylamine, and potentiated by eserine, a cholinesterase inhibitor. With nicotine and atropine the effects are accompanied by an increase in muscle tone at a concentration of 1 X 10(-2) M. Noradrenaline and adrenaline also cause some inhibition of activity, an effect antagonised by guanethidine, which blocks the release of noradrenaline. In contrast, dopamine stimulates fluke motility, whilst its antagonist dihydroergotamine causes an inhibition of activity. The monoamine oxidase inhibitors iproniazid and p-chloromercuribenzoic acid induce a stimulation of activity; with the latter there is an increase in muscle tone at a concentration of 1 X 10(-3) M. The amine depleting agents chloroamphetamine and reserpine, and the monoamine uptake inhibitors desipramine and nortriptyline produce an inhibition of fluke activity, as does the serotonin uptake inhibitor fluoxetine. High concentrations of chloroamphetamine (1 X 10(-2) M) and the uptake inhibitors (1 X 10(-3) M and above) also induce an increase in muscle tone. Serotonin causes a marked stimulation of motility. The pharmacological evidence is consistent with a neurotransmitter role of acetylcholine (inhibitory), dopamine (excitatory), and noradrenaline (inhibitory). The status of serotonin is discussed.

Fasciola hepatica: motility response to fasciolicides in vitro

The effects of a wide range of fasciolicides on the in vitro motility of Fasciola hepatica have been determined by means of an isometric transducer system. Carbon tetrachloride and diamphenethide do not affect movement at concentrations up to 500 and 100 micrograms/ml, respectively; at 1000 micrograms/ml, however, carbon tetrachloride induces a rapid tonic paralysis. Brotianide and the deacetylated metabolite of diamphenethide cause a rapid flaccid paralysis of the fluke at concentrations of 1.0 micrograms/ml and above. In contrast, the effect of MK-401 is a long-term one, a flaccid paralysis occurring after 20 hr only at 200 micrograms/ml. Praziquantel also produces a flaccid paralysis of the fluke, but this follows an initial increase, then decrease in muscle tone. The effect is rapid at 500 micrograms/ml, but long-term at 100 and 200 micrograms/ml; at these lower concentrations there is also a stimulation of activity. Oxyclozanide , rafoxanide, niclofolan , bithionol, and hexacholorophene induce a rapid spastic paralysis of the fluke at concentrations of 1.0 micrograms/ml and above. Both phasic and tonic components are evident in the response at concentrations of 1.0 micrograms/ml and below; the phasic component disappears at higher concentrations. Nitroxynil produces a similar effect, evident at higher concentrations. Among the benzimidazoles, mebendazole, oxfendazole, and albendazole sulphoxide cause a suppression of motility, whilst thiabendazole and albendazole produce a stimulation of movement. The effects are not rapid, however, for only mebendazole at 500 micrograms/ml causes total inactivity of the fluke within a 12-hr period. Possible explanations for these effects on fluke motility are discussed.

Fasciola hepatica: a technique for monitoring in vitro motility

An apparatus utilizing a force and displacement transducer is described for the direct and long-term recording of the motility in vitro of Fasciola hepatica. Normal movement is typically rhythmical, with bursts of more powerful contractions alternating with periods of lesser activity. Such rhythms and the overall level of activity are maintained for more than 30 hr. The fluke remains active for much longer periods of time: recordings of fluke movements have been made for up to 4 days. Potential damage to the fluke caused by the attachment system within the recording apparatus has been determined by the Evans' Blue Technique and scanning electron microscopy. It is restricted to the attachment sites, and does not spread to other parts of the body over the 30-hr normal activity period. Transmission electron microscope studies have shown that the tegument retains its structural and functional integrity over this period of time. There are advantages of the recording apparatus over previous kymographic methods for studying fluke motility.

Hymenolepis nana: the fine structure of the adult nervous system

The fine structure of the nervous system in the scolex and neck region of Hymenolepis nana has been investigated by transmission electron microscopy. A description of the gross neuroanatomy in these regions of the worm is presented. The ganglia, commissures and nerve cords consist of an incomplete cortex of nerve cell bodies, and a core of nerve fibres. A delimiting sheath or capsule is absent. The nerve cell bodies contain a single nucleus with a single nucleolus, mitochondria, many ribosomes, Golgi complexes and vesicles formed within the Golgi cisternae. Numerous sub-surface cisternae are present beneath the outer plasma membrane of the nerve cell body, and the inner surfaces of these cisternae are studded with ribosomes. Some of the cisternae run tangentially into the cytoplasm of the perikaryon, particularly in the vicinity of the Golgi complexes; both sides of these cisternae are studded with ribosomes. From each neuronal perikaryon arise one or more neurites that contain neurotubules, mitochondria, ribosomes and electron-lucent or dense-cored vesicles. Five types of vesicle have been distinguished on the basis of their size and content. The neurites are unmyelinated and form synapses in the neuropile; the synapses possess features typical of those where mechanical strength is of importance. Three types of sensory receptors have been observed in H. nana, two ciliated and one non-ciliated; the latter typically form double or triple nerve endings which terminate within the tegument.

Hymenolepis diminuta: the mechanism of egg hatching

The fine structure and histochemistry of the envelopes surrounding the mature oncosphere of Hymenolepis diminuta have been investigated by transmission electron microscopy and light microscope observations of JB-4 embedded material. The fate of these envelopes during the hatching sequence in vitro has been followed by phase-contrast and scanning electron microscopy. Hatching is considered to comprise 4 stages. Stage 1 involves the mechanical breakage and removal of the shell and the outer cytoplasmic layer of the inner envelope; Stage 2 the activation of the oncosphere and the swelling of the gelatinous layer of the inner envelope; and Stage 3 the digestion and rupture of the embryophore. This is accomplished both by secretions from the penetration gland and by the action of external digestive enzymes, together with hook activity. Trypsin is more effective than amylase in digesting the embryophore. Stage 4 involves the enzymatic weakening of the gelatinous layer which helps the oncosphere to tear itself free with its hooks. Amylase is more effective than trypsin in attacking the gelatinous layer. On emergence from the gelatinous layer, the oncosphere is still enveloped by the 'oncospheral membrane', although this covering is soon lost. Once activated, the oncosphere is capable of completing the hatching sequence by itself, without the addition of enzymes. This process is a lengthy one, however, taking up to 2 h, and the expenditure of its glandular and energy reserves makes successful gut penetration by the oncosphere unlikely.

Hymenolepis nana: the fine structure of the 'penetration gland' and nerve cells within the oncosphere

The fine structure of the oncosphere of Hymenolepis nana has been investigated by transmission and scanning electron microscopy, together with light microscope observations of JB-4 embedded material. The outer surface of the oncosphere is covered by an epithelial layer, termed the embryonic epithelium. Cell types present within the oncosphere include the penetration gland cell, oncoblast, or hook-forming cells, nerve cells, muscle cells (both somatic and hook), and undifferentiated 'stem' cells. The penetration gland is a large, U-shaped structure, situated in the anterior region of the oncosphere, and filled with secretory granules of 2 distinct morphological types. Histochemically, the secretory material yields reactions characteristic of an acid mucopolysaccharide. A proteinaceous-substance and small amounts of glycogen are also present. Up to 4 pairs of ducts from the penetration gland have been observed. They pass through the basal lamina and the epithelial layer to open against the polar filament layer at the anterior end of the oncosphere. Nerve cells are described in a cestode oncosphere for the first time. The cells are paraldehyde-fuchsin-positive and show a high level of secretory activity, as evidenced by the large numbers of dense-cored vesicles produced by the Golgi apparatus in the perikarya; consequently, they are tentatively regarded as possible neurosecretory cells. The vesicles are transported down the axon to be stored in specialized swollen axon terminals, which form definite junctions with the muscle cells.

Hymenolepis nana: the fine structure of the embryonic envelopes

The fine structure of the envelopes surrounding hatched and unhatched oncospheres of Hymenolepis nana has been investigated by transmission and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), together with light microscope histochemical observations of JB-4 embedded material. The oncosphere is surrounded by 3 layers--the capsule, the outer envelope and the inner envelope, the latter giving rise to the embryophore and the 'oncospheral membrane'. An additional layer--the polar filament layer--lies between the 'oncospheral membrane' and the oncosphere. Shell material is deposited on the capsule as a thin layer. It is secreted by the outer envelope, which degenerates once shell formation is complete. The uterus may also contribute to shell formation. The embryophore forms a thin incomplete and peripheral layer within the inner envelope. In the basal region of this envelope, partial development of an 'oncospheral membrane' takes place, but it does not become detached as a separate layer. The polar filaments, which are characteristic of the oncosphere of H. nana, are derived from the epithelial covering of the oncosphere itself, which delaminates to form a separate polar filament layer. The filaments arise from knob-like projections at opposite poles of this layer. The design of the embryonic envelopes in H. nana show a number of modifications from the basic cyclophyllidean pattern, and these can be related to the demands of its 'direct' life-cycle.