No CrossRef data available.
Article contents
In vitro excystment of the metacercaria of Bucephalus haimeanus from the common goby (Pomatoschistus microps)
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2009
Abstract
The structure of the metacercarial cyst wall and excystment in vitro were studied in the bucephalid digenean Bucephalus haimeanus. Optimum excystment occurred in a mixture of 1% trypsin and 1% bile salts at pH 7.8, following a 15 min pretreatment with 1% pepsin at pH 2.0. Enzymes (pepsin, trypsin) facilitated excystment, but were not essential, since some of the active metacercariae perforated the cyst wall in their absence. Other distinctive features were the weak development of the cyst wall, the occurrence of some excystment in strongly acidic media, ability to survive for at least 2 h in acidic media (pH 2.0) and total inactivity and failure to excyst in bile salts. The possible significance of these features is considered in relation to the location of the cysts in the liver of the second intermediate host, the common goby (Pomatoschistus microps), and conditions experienced by the cysts when the goby is eaten by the definitive host, the bass (Morone labrax). Excystment occurred readily at temperatures from 10 to 40°C, but percentage and speed of excystment were reduced at 5°C.
- Type
- Research Papers
- Information
- Copyright
- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1996