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Schistosoma mansoni: the activity and development of the schistosomulum during migration from the skin to the hepatic portal system

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

R. A. Wilson ,
Tove Draskau ,
Patricia Miller  and
J. Ruth Lawson
R. A. Wilson
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO1 5DD
Tove Draskau
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO1 5DD
Patricia Miller
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO1 5DD
J. Ruth Lawson
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO1 5DD
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Summary

The activity patterns and changes in shape of schistosomula recovered from various locations during migration, are described. There is no significant increase in length during the period which worms remain in the skin. Rhythmic cycles of extension and contraction of the worm body are established soon after penetration. Worms newly arrived at the lungs are identical with skin worms of the same age. Within the lungs their maximum length increases to four times that of skin worms, an adaptation which is believed to facilitate migration through the lumina of blood capillaries. Worms recovered from the lungs and systemic organs on, and subsequent to, day 8 post-infection retain this capacity for elongation. When worms arrive at the hepatic portal system they undergo a process of shortening and there is a transient doubling in the duration of cycles of activity. It is suggested that this shape and activity change terminates migration by preventing escape of worms from the hepatic portal system via the liver sinuses. The stimulus which triggers the response is thought to be the high nutrient levels present in hepatic portal blood, but not in peripheral blood. The stimulus which terminates migration also probably initiates growth. Worms cultured in vitro undergo some increase in length, but have a significantly lower maximum length than lung worms of a corresponding age. Although cultured worms were active, the cycles of extension and contraction were much more erratic than those of in vivo worms. The worms shortened spontaneously after 8–10 days in culture. This shortening occurred marginally later than in the most rapidly migrating worms in vivo.

Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 77 , Issue 1 , August 1978 , pp. 57 - 73
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1978

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References

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