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Studies on the haemocytic reaction of Gammarus spp., and its relationship to Polymorphus minutus (Acanthocephala)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

D. W. T. Crompton
Affiliation:
The Molteno Institute, University of Cambridge

Extract

The haemocytes of Gammarus, which are part of the environment of P. minutes, have been found to react by encapsulation, against a variety of foreign bodies, wounded tissues and interspecific transplants. Cuticular wounds appear to present the most urgent stimulus to the haemocytes. The haemocytic reaction is not suppressed by X-irradiation. Differences in haemolymph salt concentration between G. pulex and G. duebeni do not appear to be responsible for the failure of transplants of tissue from G. pulex to G. duebeni. It is concluded that the haemocytic reaction of Gammarus is very similar in response and nature to that of insects.

Healthy P. minutus does not stimulate the haemocytic reactions of its hosts, but wounded or damaged parasites are encapsulated. The capsule of connective tissue, which surrounds the parasite during its development in the haemocoele of the intermediate host, appears to be essential for the parasite's survival.

I am most grateful to Dr P. Tate for helpful discussions, and Dr George Salt, F.R.S., for his advice and criticism of the manuscript. I also wish to thank Drs H. Laser and B. E. B. Moseley for irradiating the amphipods for me.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1967

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References

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