Ultrastructure of skin-phase Schistosomula of schistosoma japonicum by transmission electron microscopy
Lin, J.Y.
Chinese Medical Journal 100(12): 990-995
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0366-6999 PMID: 3133177 Document Number: 302657
The ultrastructural features of skin-phase schistosomula of S. japonicum, recovered from mice at 0.5, 3 and 12 h after penetration of cercariae were studied by transmission electron microscopy. At 0.5 to 12 h pi, the fine structure of the digestive tract, head organ, osmoregulatory system and parenchyma had no visible changes, although the tegument and acetabular gland showed marked changes. In the tegument, loss of the remnant glycocalyx on the outer membrane and gradual formation of a heptalaminate outer membrane occurred. Progressive extrusion of the secretory granules in acetabular glands from the fundus through ducts to the surface led to the eventual collapse of the glands. Changes in the postacetabular glands preceded those in the preacetabular glands.