On the nature and the structure of the calcareous corpuscles in Taenia saginata

Abstract

There is histochemical evidence for the presence of calcium, glycogen, simple proteins and alkaline phosphatase in the calcareous corpuscles occurring in the parenchyma of Taenia saginata. A distinct Feulgen-positive reaction is seen in most of these corpuscles. The material yielding this positive reaction is apparently derived from the nucleus of certain mesenchymal cells from which these corpuscles supposedly originate. In some corpuscles, which are probably at the early stage of formation, the nucleus of such a mesenchymal cell is clearly seen adhering to the surface of the corpuscle. The identity of the nucleus of such cells is apparently lost in the fully formed corpuscle. Each corpuscle has a concentric appearance and is probably formed in successive layers.