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Composition, secretion, and fate of the glands in the miracidium and sporocyst of Fasciola hepatica L.

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 June 2009

Gerald R. Buzzell
Gerald R. Buzzell
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, Australian National University, Canberra and Department of Biology, University of York, England
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Abstract

The anterior end of the miracidium of Fasciola hepatica contains a large flask-shaped apical gland and four unicellular lateral glands, all of which have ducts which pass to the tip of the apical papilla. These glands appear to be involved in penetration of the larva into the snail host. The apical gland secretes as the miracidium proves the epidermis of the host before attachment. It seems likely that its secretion is a chemical which lyses the epidermal cells. The lateral glands are PAS-positive and may contain a neutral mucopolysaccharide. They also secrete as the miracidium probes the snail and a layer of PAS-positive material may be seen at the leading edge of the apical papilla as the larva penetrates into the host. Both the apical gland and the lateral glands may be visible in the sporocyst for several days after penetration.

Type
Research Note
Information
Journal of Helminthology , Volume 57 , Issue 2 , June 1983 , pp. 79 - 84
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1983

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