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Histochemical observations on carbohydrates, lipids and enzymes in digenean parasites and host tissues of Bithynia tentaculata

Active digenean larvae in Bithynia tentaculata were found to utilize both host carbohydrates and lipids, and these were incorporated into the bodies of developing cercariae. Although rediae obtain most of their nutrients by direct ingestion, a decrease in the glycogen and neutral fat content of intact digestive gland cells of snails infected with rediae suggests that these larvae may also absorb nutrients through their body walls, like sporocysts. In sporocyst infections, host glycogen is believed to be hydrolysed to glucose and other monosaccharides by the host's own enzymes, possibly phosphatases, which have been stimulated to greater activity by the parasites. These simple sugars, due to their small size, can then be absorbed through the sporocyst body wall. Similarly, host fats are probably degraded to fatty acids, possibly by a parasite-secreted lipase, prior to absorption by the parasites. Encysted metacercariae do not appear to feed, but they do have severe pressure effects which disrupt some of the digestive gland tubules. Such tubules show an increase in their neutral fat content and a decrease in phosphatase activity. Aminopeptidase enzymes secreted by active digenean larvae may be responsible for some lysis of host cells, and may also be involved in the breakdown of lymph proteins to amino acids. I am indebted to Dr F. R. Stranack for her supervision and guidance throughout this investigation, and to Dr G. Charles and Dr T. Jenkins for their continued help and advice. This study was carried out during the tenure of a research assistantship awarded by the governors of Portsmouth Polytechnic.