Investigations on osmotic regulation in the parasitic nematode,Aspiculuris tetrapteraSchulz

Abstract

In the mouse pinworm,Aspiculuris tetraptera, the basic features of the process of osmotic regulation is similar to the process in other nematodes such asParascaris equorum, Rhabditis terrestrisandHammerschmidtiella diesingi.The ability to osmoregulate is, however, utilized more effectively in a hypertonic than in a hypotonic solution.The body fluid is isotonic with 35 % sea water. The relative accuracy of this value is confirmed by direct measurements of the depression of freezing point of the body fluid. This is approximately 0.68–0.69 °C, which is approximately 0.12 % NaCl, which is higher than the value forAscaris(= 0.655 °C).My thanks are due to Dr D. L. Lee for helpful discussions on some aspects of this study.