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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 June 2009

B. F. Matthews  and
R. A. Matthews
B. F. Matthews
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, Plymouth Polytechnic, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK
R. A. Matthews
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, Plymouth Polytechnic, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK
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Abstract

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.

Keywords

Hemiurus communisLecithochirium rufovirideLecithochirium fusiformeHemiuridaetegumentadultsultrastructureecsoma
Type
Research Papers
Information
Journal of Helminthology , Volume 62 , Issue 4 , December 1988 , pp. 305 - 316
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1988

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