Studies on the tapeworm Anoplocephala perfoliata (Goeze, 1782)

Abstract

1. The exrectory system of Anoplocephala perfoliata has been re-described and shown to consist of a dorsal ‘network’ system of vessels to which the flame cells are connected and a ventral pair of longitudinal vessels linked only by a transverse vessel in each proglottid.2. The two excretory systems unite only in the apical ramifying vessels of the scolex.3. Alkaline phosphatase activity was demonstrated in the cuticular microvilli, the subcuticular region and in the excretory vessels.4. Non-specific esterase, insensitive to 10−4m E 600, was located in the lappets and embryonated eggs and esterases, inhibited by 10−4m E600, in parts of the cuticle and subcuticular region and parenchyma.5. Cholinesterases were found in the nervous system and in the reproductive ducts.6. Aminopeptidase was found in the neck region, in the undifferentiated proglottids, the active testes and ovaries, the male reproductive ducts and in the region of high metabolic activity in the fringe of the proglottid.