Histology and Biology of the Larval Stages of Leucochloridium Carus, 1835 (Trematoda, Digenea) as Revealed by Light and Electron Microscopy
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Abstract
Ultrastructural studies of the metacercarial cyst and the coloured broodsacs of Leucochloridium variae and L. holostomum recovered from succineid pulmonates are presented. The metacercarial cyst wall is composed of three layers, designated outer (more or less lamellated with electron dense granules), middle and inner layer (both fibrous mucoid). A description of the cyst layers is given. Cyst development and functional biology of the metacercaria are briefly commented upon. Electron micrographs of the anucleate distal cytoplasm of the broodsac tegument show that the whole surface is provided with microvilli embedded within a tegumental surface coat, and rests on a prominent distal layer of interstitial material. The brood chamber in contrast is provided with a nucleated cellular lining, but rests similarly on a prominent layer of granular-fibrous interstitial material. The tegument and the epithelial lining are described. The perinuclear parts of the tegument and pigment cells were located inside the outer circular and the inner longitudinal muscle bundles. Multinucleated pigment cells were found and the pigment types that were observed are described. One of the geometrically organized membranous structures observed is suggested to have a photoreceptive function. Problems concerning sporocyst metabolism and biology are discussed.
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