Antibody and cellular immune responses following dual COVID-19 vaccination within infection-naive residents of long-term care facilities: an observational cohort study

Background

Older age and frailty are risk factors for poor clinical outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection. As such, COVID-19 vaccination has been prioritised for individuals with these factors, but there is concern that immune responses might be impaired due to age-related immune dysregulation and comorbidity. We aimed to study humoral and cellular responses to COVID-19 vaccines in residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs).

Methods

In this observational cohort study, we assessed antibody and cellular immune responses following COVID-19 vaccination in members of staff and residents at 74 LTCFs across the UK. Staff and residents were eligible for inclusion if it was possible to link them to a pseudo-identifier in the COVID-19 datastore, if they had received two vaccine doses, and if they had given a blood sample 6 days after vaccination at the earliest. There were no comorbidity exclusion criteria. Participants were stratified by age (<65 years or ≥65 years) and infection status (previous SARS-CoV-2 infection [infection-primed group] or SARS-CoV-2 naive [infection-naive group]). Anticoagulated edetic acid (EDTA) blood samples were assessed and humoral and cellular responses were quantified.

Findings

Between Dec 11, 2020, and June 27, 2021, blood samples were taken from 220 people younger than 65 years (median age 51 years [IQR 39-61]; 103 [47%] had previously had a SARS-CoV-2 infection) and 268 people aged 65 years or older of LTCFs (median age 87 years [80-92]; 144 [43%] had a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection). Samples were taken a median of 82 days (IQR 72-100) after the second vaccination. Antibody responses following dual vaccination were strong and equivalent between participants younger then 65 years and those aged 65 years and older in the infection-primed group (median 125 285 Au/mL [1128 BAU/mL] for <65 year olds vs 157 979 Au/mL [1423 BAU/mL] for ≥65 year olds; p=0·47). The antibody response was reduced by 2·4-times (467 BAU/mL; p≤0·0001) in infection-naive people younger than 65 years and 8·1-times (174 BAU/mL; p≤0·0001) in infection-naive residents compared with their infection-primed counterparts. Antibody response was 2·6-times lower in infection-naive residents than in infection-naive people younger than 65 years (p=0·0006). Impaired neutralisation of delta (1.617.2) variant spike binding was also apparent in infection-naive people younger than 65 years and in those aged 65 years and older. Spike-specific T-cell responses were also significantly enhanced in the infection-primed group. Infection-naive people aged 65 years and older (203 SFU per million [IQR 89-374]) had a 52% lower T-cell response compared with infection-naive people younger than 65 years (85 SFU per million [30-206]; p≤0·0001). Post-vaccine spike-specific CD4 T-cell responses displayed single or dual production of IFN-γ and IL-2 were similar across infection status groups, whereas the infection-primed group had an extended functional profile with TNFα and CXCL10 production.

Interpretation

These data reveal suboptimal post-vaccine immune responses within infection-naive residents of LTCFs, and they suggest the need for optimisation of immune protection through the use of booster vaccination.

Funding

UK Government Department of Health and Social Care.

Robust SARS-CoV-2-specific and heterologous immune responses in vaccine-naïve residents of long-term care facilities who survive natural infection

We studied humoral and cellular immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 152 long-term care facility staff and 124 residents over a prospective 4-month period shortly after the first wave of infection in England. We show that residents of long-term care facilities developed high and stable levels of antibodies against spike protein and receptor-binding domain. Nucleocapsid-specific responses were also elevated but waned over time. Antibodies showed stable and equivalent levels of functional inhibition against spike-angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 binding in all age groups with comparable activity against viral variants of concern. SARS-CoV-2 seropositive donors showed high levels of antibodies to other beta-coronaviruses but serostatus did not impact humoral immunity to influenza or other respiratory syncytial viruses. SARS-CoV-2-specific cellular responses were similar across all ages but virus-specific populations showed elevated levels of activation in older donors. Thus, survivors of SARS-CoV-2 infection show a robust and stable immunity against the virus that does not negatively impact responses to other seasonal viruses.

Children develop robust and sustained cross-reactive spike-specific immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection

SARS-CoV-2 infection is generally mild or asymptomatic in children but a biological basis for this outcome is unclear. Here we compare antibody and cellular immunity in children (aged 3-11 years) and adults. Antibody responses against spike protein were high in children and seroconversion boosted responses against seasonal Beta-coronaviruses through cross-recognition of the S2 domain. Neutralization of viral variants was comparable between children and adults. Spike-specific T cell responses were more than twice as high in children and were also detected in many seronegative children, indicating pre-existing cross-reactive responses to seasonal coronaviruses. Importantly, children retained antibody and cellular responses 6 months after infection, whereas relative waning occurred in adults. Spike-specific responses were also broadly stable beyond 12 months. Therefore, children generate robust, cross-reactive and sustained immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 with focused specificity for the spike protein. These findings provide insight into the relative clinical protection that occurs in most children and might help to guide the design of pediatric vaccination regimens.

Profile of humoral and cellular immune responses to single doses of BNT162b2 or ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccines in residents and staff within residential care homes (VIVALDI): an observational study

BACKGROUND

Residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) have been prioritised for COVID-19 vaccination because of the high COVID-19 mortality in this population. Several countries have implemented an extended interval of up to 12 weeks between the first and second vaccine doses to increase population coverage of single-dose vaccination. We aimed to assess the magnitude and quality of adaptive immune responses following a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine in LTCF residents and staff.

METHODS

From the LTCFs participating in the ongoing VIVALDI study (ISRCTN14447421), staff and residents who had received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine (BNT162b2 [tozinameran] or ChAdOx1 nCoV-19), had pre-vaccination and post-vaccination blood samples (collected between Dec 11, 2020, and Feb 16, 2021), and could be linked to a pseudoidentifier in the COVID-19 Data Store were included in our cohort. Past infection with SARS-CoV-2 was defined on the basis of nucleocapsid-specific IgG antibodies being detected through a semiquantitative immunoassay, and participants who tested positive on this assay after but not before vaccination were excluded from the study. Processed blood samples were assessed for spike-specific immune responses, including spike-specific IgG antibody titres, T-cell responses to spike protein peptide mixes, and inhibition of ACE2 binding by spike protein from four variants of SARS-CoV-2 (the original strain as well as the B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P.1 variants). Responses before and after vaccination were compared on the basis of age, previous infection status, role (staff or resident), and time since vaccination.

FINDINGS

Our cohort comprised 124 participants from 14 LTCFs: 89 (72%) staff (median age 48 years [IQR 35·5-56]) and 35 (28%) residents (87 years [77-90]). Blood samples were collected a median 40 days (IQR 25-47; range 6-52) after vaccination. 30 (24%) participants (18 [20%] staff and 12 [34%] residents) had serological evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. All participants with previous infection had high antibody titres following vaccination that were independent of age (r s=0·076, p=0·70). In participants without evidence of previous infection, titres were negatively correlated with age (r s=-0·434, p<0·0001) and were 8·2-times lower in residents than in staff. This effect appeared to result from a kinetic delay antibody generation in older infection-naive participants, with the negative age correlation disappearing only in samples taken more than 42 days post-vaccination (r s=-0·207, p=0·20; n=40), in contrast to samples taken after 0-21 days (r s=-0·774, p=0·0043; n=12) or 22-42 days (r s=-0·437, p=0·0034; n=43). Spike-specific cellular responses were similar between older and younger participants. In infection-naive participants, antibody inhibition of ACE2 binding by spike protein from the original SARS-CoV-2 strain was negatively correlated with age (r s=-0·439, p<0·0001), and was significantly lower against spike protein from the B.1.351 variant (median inhibition 31% [14-100], p=0·010) and the P.1 variant (23% [14-97], p<0·0001) than against the original strain (58% [27-100]). By contrast, a single dose of vaccine resulted in around 100% inhibition of the spike-ACE2 interaction against all variants in people with a history of infection.

INTERPRETATION

History of SARS-CoV-2 infection impacts the magnitude and quality of antibody response after a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine in LTCF residents. Residents who are infection-naive have delayed antibody responses to the first dose of vaccine and should be considered for an early second dose where possible.

FUNDING

UK Government Department of Health and Social Care.

Evidence against a role for NLRP3-driven islet inflammation in db/db mice

Objectives

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with chronic, low grade inflammation. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and secretion of its target interleukin-1β (IL-1β) have been implicated in pancreatic β cell failure in T2D. Specific targeting of the NLRP3 inflammasome to prevent pancreatic β cell death could allow for selective T2D treatment without compromising all IL-1β-associated immune responses. We hypothesized that treating a mouse model of T2D with MCC950, a compound that specifically inhibits NLRP3, would prevent pancreatic β cell death, thereby preventing the onset of T2D.

Methods

Diabetic db/db mice were treated with MCC950 via drinking water for 8 weeks from 6 to 14 weeks of age, a period over which they developed pancreatic β cell failure. We assessed metabolic parameters such as body composition, glucose tolerance, or insulin secretion over the course of the intervention.

Results

MCC950 was a potent inhibitor of NLRP3-induced IL-1β in vitro and was detected at high levels in the plasma of treated db/db mice. Treatment of pre-diabetic db/db mice with MCC950, however, did not prevent pancreatic dysfunction and full onset of the T2D pathology. When examining the NLRP3 pathway in the pancreas of db/db mice, we could not detect an activation of this pathway nor increased levels of its target IL-1β.

Conclusions

NLRP3 driven-pancreatic IL-1β inflammation does not play a key role in the pathogenesis of the db/db murine model of T2D.

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Inhibition of NLRP3 via MCC950 in db/db mice did not improve glucose tolerance.

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MCC950 treatment did not prevent beta cell loss of function.

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Expression of IL1beta and NLRP3 does not appear increased in db/db islets.

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We conclude against a role for NLRP3 in db/db pancreatic dysfunction.

Ardisiaquinones from Ardisia teysmanniana

Bioassay-guided fractionation of a CHCl(3) extract from the leaves of Ardisia teysmanniana Scheff. (Myrsinaceae) has led to the isolation of three new alkyldibenzoquinone derivatives that showed inhibitory activity in an in vitro assay for UDP-MurNac synthesis. The structures of ardisiaquinone G, H and I were established using MS and NMR spectroscopic methods.

Leg length discrepancy following irradiation for childhood tumors

Leg length inequality developed in 12 of 67 children who were treated with radiation therapy to the kidney, abdomen, pelvis, or lower extremities. All these children survived childhood cancer to the age of skeletal maturity. Of the 12 with anisomelia, seven were symptomatic. There were significant relationships between the development of leg length inequality and the total dose of radiation to the pelvic area, asymmetric irradiation to the pelvis, and high-dose irradiation to the leg.

Circumdatin G, a new alkaloid from the fungus Aspergillus ochraceus

The crude extract of the broth of Aspergillus ochraceus was found to inhibit the final stage of polyprotein processing during hepatitis C virus replication. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of the known compound mellein as the active component of the extract. Also isolated were circumdatin F and a new alkaloid, circumdatin G. The structure of circumdatin G was determined by spectroscopic analysis.

10-Hydroxydarlingine, a new tropane alkaloid from the Australian proteaceous plant triunia erythrocarpa

Triunia erythrocarpa was identified as containing alkaloids during chemical screening of Queensland Proteaceae using Dragendorff's reagent. A new tropane, 10-hydroxydarlingine (1), and the known tropane, darlingine (2), were isolated from the leaves of T. erythrocarpa. The absolute stereochemistry of 10-hydroxydarlingine (1) was assigned using the advanced Mosher method. T. erythrocarpa is only the seventh member of the Proteaceae to have been shown to produce alkaloids.

Anthoptilides A-E, new Briarane diterpenes from the Australian sea pen Anthoptilum cf. kukenthali

The Australian sea pen Anthoptilum cf. kukenthali has afforded five new briarane-type diterpenes, anthoptilides A-E. Their structures were determined on the basis of their spectroscopic data. Single-crystal X-ray determination was performed on anthoptilide A. Anthoptilides B and C inhibited the binding of [(3)H]1, 3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine ([(3)H]DPCPX) on adenosine A(1) receptors.

Isolation of psammaplin A 11'-sulfate and bisaprasin 11'-sulfate from the marine sponge Aplysinella rhax

Psammaplin A 11'-sulfate (3) and bisaprasin 11'-sulfate (4) have been isolated from the marine sponge Aplysinella rhax, along with the known psammaplin A (1). Their structures were determined on the basis of their spectroscopic data. Compounds 1 and 3 inhibited [(3)H]1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine binding to rat-brain adenosine A(1) receptors.

Isolation of xestosterol esters of brominated acetylenic fatty acids from the marine sponge xestospongia testudinaria

The CH(2)Cl(2) extract of the marine sponge Xestospongia testudinaria inhibited [(3)H]DPCPX binding to rat-brain adenosine A(1) receptors. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of a known brominated acetylenic fatty acid 1 as the active component. Also isolated were two novel sterol esters 2 and 3. All structures were determined on the basis of their spectroscopic data.

Dragmacidins: new protein phosphatase inhibitors from a southern australian deep-water marine sponge, spongosorites sp

A Spongosorites sp. collected during trawling operations off the southern coast of Australia returned the new alkaloid dragmacidin E (3), the structure of which was secured by detailed spectroscopic analysis. Dragmacidin E (3), and its co-metabolite dragmacidin D (1) have been identified as potent inhibitors of serine-threonine protein phosphatases.

Isolation and structure of hemibastadinols 1-3 from the Papua New Guinea marine sponge Ianthella basta

Further investigation of the Bismarck Archipelago (Papua New Guinea) marine sponge Ianthella basta for biologically active constituents has led to the isolation of hemibastadins 1 (2), 2 (3), and 3 (4) and the new brominated tyrosine derivatives hemibastadinols 1-3 (9, 13, and 14). Isolation and structure elucidation of the monomethyl ether derivatives (7 and 8) of hemibastadins 1 and 2 and the 3-bromotyramine amide of oxalic acid amide (1a) concluded our chemical investigation of I. basta. The hemibastadins and hemibastadinols represent important biosynthetic links to a series of bromotyrosine tetramers collectively known as the bastadins. The antimicrobial activity of the bastadins, hemibastadins, and hemibastadinols is summarized.

Effects of bandwidth feedback on delayed retention of a movement timing task

The effectiveness of broad and narrow bandwidth feedback for learning a 2-segment timing task was tested over short-term (10-min.) and longer-term (2-day) retention intervals. The main finding was that bandwidth feedback groups deteriorated in accuracy across the retention tests, raising questions about the effectiveness of bandwidth feedback for longer-term learning.

Antineoplastic agents, 326. The stereochemistry of bastadins 8, 10, and 12 from the Bismarck archipelago marine sponge Ianthella basta

An investigation of cancer cell-growth inhibitory constituents of the Papua New Guinea marine sponge Ianthella basta led to isolation of the C-6 hydroxybastadins 8 [1] 10 [2], and 12 [3]. The absolute stereochemistry (6S) of each bastadin (or its tetramethyl ester derivative) was determined by means of the Mosher-Trost method. Bastadins 10 [2] and 12 [3] were found to significantly inhibit the growth of a selection of human cancer cell lines. Bastadins 8, 10, and 12 inhibited growth of the Gram-positive opportunists Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis.

Lamellarins O and P: New Aromatic Metabolites From the Australian Marine Sponge Dendrilla cactos

A specimen of Dendrilla cactos collected during trawling operations in Bass Strait, Australia, has yielded two new alkaloids, lamellarin-O (17) and lamellarin-P (18). Both these metabolites are examples of the lamellarin structure class, previously reported from tunicates and a mollusc; however, in these examples the pyrrole ring system is not fused to adjacent aromatic rings. The structures of (17) and (18) were secured by spectroscopic analysis and partial synthesis.

Beyond Polygodial: New Drimane Sesquiterpenes From a Southern Australian Marine Sponge, Dysidea sp

This report describes the isolation and structure elucidation of four new drimane sesquiterpenes (14)-(17) from a southern Australian marine sponge Dysidea sp. The structures for (14)-(17) were secured by detailed spectroscopic analysis, chemical interconversion and derivatization. Also reported are the known metabolites (+)- euryfuran (7), dihydropallescensin-2 (18), (-)- pallescensin-A (19) and (-)-7-deacetoxyolepupane (6). The rare co-occurrence of two antipodes, (7) and (19), in the same specimen highlights the dangers in assigning absolute stereochemistry based on 'unproven' biosynthetic relationships. The absolute stereochemistry for (6) has been unambiguously established for the first time by chemical interconversion to (7). Furthermore, the absolute stereochemistry of the new marine metabolites listed above, (14)-(17), were determined by chemical correlation to (6). A biosynthetic and ecological relationship is proposed between the metabolites from Dysidea sp. with the known marine and terrestrial antifeedant polygodial (8). Chemical investigations are reported that support this proposition.

Trunculin-F and Contrunculin-A and -B: Novel Oxygenated Norterpenes From a Southern Australian Marine Sponge, Latrunculia conulosa

A specimen of Latrunculia conulosa from southern Australian coastal waters, previously observed to contain conulosin-A (6) and conulosin-B (7), has also been found to yield the known marine natural product trunculin-C methyl ester (14), along with three new norterpenes, trunculin-F (10), contrunculin-A (11) and contrunculin-B (12). Trunculin-F (10) was isolated, characterized and identified as its methyl ester (13), and its absolute stereochemistry determined by Horeau analysis. The structures for all new compounds were secured by detailed spectroscopic analysis.

Psammopemmins (A-C), Novel Brominated 4-Hydroxyindole Alkaloids From an Antarctic Sponge, Psammopemma sp

Two specimens of a marine sponge Psammopemma sp. collected from Prydz Bay, Antarctica, have been found to contain three new brominated 4-hydroxyindole alkaloids: psammopemmin A (4), -B (5) and -C (6). These novel secondary metabolites, which also incorporate a unique 2-bromopyrimidine moiety, have been assigned structures on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis and derivatization.

The Luffarins (A-Z), Novel Terpenes From an Australian Marine Sponge, Luffariella geometrica

A marine sponge, Luffariella geometrica Kirkpatrick, collected from the southern Australian coastal waters of the Great Australian Bight, has been found to contain 14 new bicyclic sesterterpenes, luffarin-A (14), -B (15), -C (16), -D (17), -E (18), -F (19), -G (20), -H (21), -I (22), -J (23), -K (24), -L (25), -M (26) and -N (27), a new bicyclic bisnorsesterterpene, luffarin-O (30), a new monocyclic sesterterpene, luffarin-P (32), six new acyclic sesterterpenes, luffarin-Q (35), -R (36), -S (37), -T (38), -U (39) and -V (40), two new diterpenes, luffarin-W (41) and -X (44), and two new bisnorditerpenes luffarin-Y (45) and -Z (46). These novel marine metabolites have been assigned structures, including stereochemistry, on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis, chemical correlation, derivatization, and biosynthetic considerations. Studies directed at the absolute stereochemistry of the luffarins have also permitted assignment of absolute stereochemistry to the known marine natural products (E)-neomanoalide (3), (Z)-neomanoalide (4) and dehydroambliol-A (47).

The Bastadins Revisited: New Chemistry From the Australian Marine Sponge Ianthella basta

A specimen of Ianthella basta, collected from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, has been found to contain the recently reported tetramer of bromotyrosine , bastadin-9 (6a), along with a new example of this structure class, bastadin-12 (9a). The structure for bastadin-12 (9a) was confirmed by detailed spectroscopic analysis and derivatization, and represents the first reported example of this structure class derived from an alternative oxidative cyclization . As earlier biosynthetic arguments to the structure elucidation of some bastadins were based on the premise that only one cyclization pathway was possible (leading to 13,32-dioxa-4,22-diazabastarane), the discovery of (9a) introduces an added dimension to the identification of new and known bastadins. Also isolated and identified as their methyl ethers were two new dimers of bromotyrosine, hemibastadin-1 (10) and hemibastadin-2 (11).

Late orthopedic effects in children with Wilms' tumor treated with abdominal irradiation

Between 1970 and 1984, 31 children with biopsy-proven Wilms' tumor received nephrectomy, chemotherapy, and abdominal irradiation and were followed beyond skeletal maturity. Three patients (10%) developed late orthopedic abnormalities requiring intervention. Ten children received orthovoltage irradiation, and all cases requiring orthopedic intervention or developing a scoliotic curve of greater than 20 degrees were confined to this group, for a complication frequency of 50%. Those children who developed a significant late orthopedic abnormality (SLOA) as defined were treated to a higher median dose (2,890 cGy) and a larger field size (150 cm2) than those who did not (2,580 cGy and 120 cm2). Age at irradiation, sex, and initial stage of disease did not appear to influence the risk of developing an SLOA. No child who received megavoltage irradiation developed an SLOA despite treatment up to 4,000 cGy or to field sizes of 400 cm2. We conclude that modern radiotherapy techniques rarely lead to significant late orthopedic abnormalities previously associated with abdominal irradiation in children with Wilms' tumor.

Norterpene Dienes From an Australian Marine Sponge Latrunculia brevis

The norditerpene diene acid (4) and norsesterterpene diene acid (5), along with their corresponding methyl esters (6) and (7), were isolated from an Australian marine sponge, Latrunculia brevis, and their structures determined by detailed spectroscopic analysis, chemical derivatization and degradation. Comment is made on the possible intermediacy of dienes such as (4)-(7) in the biosynthesis of norterpene cyclic peroxides, common to other Latrunculia species from the same locality.

Skeletal sequelae of radiation therapy for malignant childhood tumors

One hundred forty-three patients who received radiation therapy for childhood tumors, and survived to the age of skeletal maturity, were studied by retrospective review of oncology records and roentgenograms. Diagnoses for the patients were the following: Hodgkin's lymphoma (44), Wilms's tumor (30), acute lymphocytic leukemia (26), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (18), Ewing's sarcoma (nine), rhabdomyosarcoma (six), neuroblastoma (six), and others (four). Age at the follow-up examination averaged 18 years (range, 14-28 years). Average length of follow-up study was 9.9 years (range, two to 18 years). Asymmetry of the chest and ribs was seen in 51 (36%) of these children. Fifty (35%) had scoliosis; 14 had kyphosis. In two children, the scoliosis was treated with a brace, while one developed significant kyphosing scoliosis after laminectomy and had spinal fusion. Twenty-three (16%) patients complained of significant pain at the radiation sites. Twelve of the patients developed leg-length inequality; eight of those were symptomatic. Three patients developed second primary tumors. Currently, the incidence of significant skeletal sequelae is lower and the manifestations are less severe than reported in the years from 1940 to 1970. The reduction in skeletal complications may be attributed to shielding of growth centers, symmetric field selection, decreased total radiation doses, and sequence changes in chemotherapy.

Large-volume longitudinally excited Ca(+) discharge-recombination laser

An experimental investigation of a longitudinally excited Ca(+) discharge-recombination laser with an active volume of 1000 cm(3) is reported. Single-pulse output energy densities greater than 4 microJ/cm(3) at energy-conversion efficiencies of 0.05% have been obtained on the lambda373.7-nm transition for low-pulse-rate (1-Hz) operation at helium buffergas pressures up to 400 Torr. Mean powers greater 0.5 W have been obtained at 500 Hz in preliminary studies of high-pulse-rate operation.

Histochemical and thin layer chromatographic analyses of neutral lipids in Echinostoma revolutum metacercariae cultured in vitro

Excysted metacercariae of Echinostoma revolutum cultured in vitro in the defined medium, NCTC 135 supplemented with 20% hens' egg yolk, doubled their mean relative body area and showed significant sucker growth within 14 days. Histochemical Oil Red O staining showed neutral fat mainly in the excretory system of excysted metacercariae and in adults grown in the domestic chick. In vitro cultured worms showed neutral fat in the intestine, parenchyma, and excretory system. As detected by TLC the major neutral lipid fractions were free fatty acids for excysted metacercariae; free sterols for adults grown in chicks; and triglycerides, free fatty acids, and free sterols for cultured worms. Excysted metacercariae excreted free fatty acids into a nonnutrient incubation medium, whereas cultured worms excreted diglycerides, triglycerides, and free fatty acids into the medium.

Histochemical and thin layer chromatographic analyses of neutral lipids in metracercarial and adult Cotylurus sp. (Trematoda: Strigeidae)

Histochemical and thin layer chromatographic studies were made on neutral lipids of Cotylurus sp. (Trematoda) metacercariae obtained from Physa heterostropha snails and from adults grown in the upper ileum of the domestic chick. Oil Red O staining demonstrated neutral lipids in the intestinal lumina, eggs and vitellaria of adults, and the excretory system of metarcercariae. As determined by TLC, excysted metacercariae incubated in a non-nutrient salt solution excreted free fatty acids, sterols, and sterol esters into the medium. TLC analysis detected free sterols, free fatty acids and sterol esters in metacercariae and adullts, and triglycerides detected in adults were not found in metacercariae.