The role of the tegument of the metacercarial stage of Bucephalus haimeanus (Lacaze-Duthiers, 1854) in the absorption of particulate material and small molecules in solution

Topography and ultrastructure of the tegument of Bucephalus anguillae (Digenea: Bucephalidae), a parasite of the European eel Anguilla anguilla (Osteichthyen: Anguillidae)

The tegumental ultrastructure of the intestinal fluke Bucephalus anguillae was studied with the use of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The surface of the tegument is covered by transverse ridges from which protrude numerous closely packed, digitated, and claw-shaped spines. Cobblestone-like units of the tegument were observed on the crescent-shaped formation of the rhynchus and at the posterior part of the body. Three types of sensory structures were examined, i.e., 2 uniciliated receptors and 1 without cilia. As anterior-posterior differences were observed, particular attention was given to spines and sensory receptors. Spine insertion zones and average cilia length are variable between anterior and posterior tegument areas. Ultrastructural study revealed that the tegument of B. anguillae has a typical syncytial organization with a distal cytoplasm lying over a basal matrix and cytons below. Cytoplasmic bridges allowed transit of secretory vesicles and granules. Diagrams of spines and sensory receptors were made to help in understanding the nature of these structures.

Developmental changes in the tegument of four microphallid metacercariae in their second (crustacean) intermediate hosts

The morphology of the tegument of four microphallid metacercariae from the stage of invasive cercariae to their maturation as encysted metacercariae inside their crustacean second intermediate hosts is described. The tegument of the metacercariae developed surface lamellae and projections which, along with coated vesicles in the surface syncytium, indicated that the tegument had an absorptive function. The disappearance of secretory granules from the tegument at the same time as the appearance of the first cyst wall suggested that the tegument had a role in primary cyst production. Following this, the metacercariae continued to grow and seemingly retained their absorptive ability. The tegument was also involved in the transport of material into the perimetacercarial lumen prior to its eventual inclusion in the developing inner cyst layers. It appeared that this material originated in tegumental cells located amongst the parenchymal cells beneath the tegumental syncytial layer. On completion of the secondary cyst layers there was a gradual degeneration of structures associated with absorption and a progressive accumulation of dense discoid granules traceable to underlying tegumental cells. All four microphallid species (Maritrema arenaria,M. subdolum,Levinseniella brachysomaandMicrophallus claviformis) demonstrated the same developmental pattern but the period spent in each stage differed depending on the time spent migrating to encystment sites. The pattern of tegumental development described is thought to be applicable to all microphallid metacercariae and possibly to other metacercariae which undergo growth and development in their second intermediate hosts.

The tegument in Hemiuridae (Digenea: Hemiuroidea): structure and function in the adult

The teleost stomach, as a site of strong acid proteolytic digestion at pH 1–4, is a hostile environment rarely chosen as a habitat by parasites. Several Hemiuroidea have nevertheless invaded this niche, notably the Hemiuridae, a family in which the body is characterized by a retractile “tail”, or ecsoma. The structure and function of the latter has been studied in three hemiurid species, namely Hemiurus communis, Lecithochirium rufoviride and L. fusiforme, using ultrastructural, histochemical and autoradiographic techniques. Results indicate a clear demarcation between the function of the tegument covering the ecsoma and that of the rest of the body, or soma. No mitochondria have been observed in the ecsomal tegument, and intense acid phosphatase activity was detected in association with its outer plasma membrane. Uptake of 3H-tyrosine occurred within the excretory vesicle, which may serve for transport of nutrients forwards into the soma. In contrast, the thickened, dense somal tegument, with few mitochondria largely confined to ridges or plications in H. communis, showed neither phosphatase activity nor uptake of tyrosine. Glucose uptake was not detected in any part of the body. That the somal tegument serves not for absorption but for protection against both physico-chemical conditions and mechanical damage by prey entering the host's stomach is discussed.

Formation of the cyst wall and related changes in the structure of the tegument ofBucephalus haimeanus(Lacaze-Duthiers, 1854) during its metamorphosis from the cercarial to the metacercarial stage

The formation of the cyst wall surroundingBucephalus haimeanusand the related changes in the parasite tegument during its metamorphosis from the cercarial to the metacercarial stage have been investigated by means of experimental infections inGobiusculus flavescens. The initial fibrous cyst wall is formed from secretions produced by both the anterior gland cells and the tegument of the parasite. These secretions gradually become compacted against the surrounding hepatic cells until by the 20–30th day post-infection the 3-zoned inner layer, characteristic of the fully developed cyst wall, is formed. Hepatic cells immediately adjacent to this inner cyst wall layer are disrupted by the arrival of the metacercaria and form the middle vacuolated layer. As the metacercaria grows, the cyst increases in size causing still further hepatic cells to become flattened and incorporated into the cyst structure forming the outer nucleated layer. The structure of the cercarial tegument is described. Development of the metacercarial tegument is accomplished by the sequential movement of secretory vesicles from tegumental cell bodies into the outer cytoplasmic tegument. Vesicles of the types V. 1–5 are released from the outer cytoplasmic tegument, resulting in an almost complete breakdown of this layer prior to its replacement by the tegument of the fully developed metacercaria. The latter is characterized by the V. 6–9 type vesicles, dorso-ventrally flattened spines which terminate in 5–7 digits and by sensory cilia.