Neurosecretory granules in the infective stage of Haemonchus contortus

Abstract

Large numbers of electron-dense bodies, 700–1900 Å in diameter, usually seen each with its own limiting membrane, were found in axons of the ventral nerve of infective juveniles of H. contortus. Axons containing these granules merged, without limiting membranes, with a ‘light’, diffusely granular region, about 1·5–2 μm3. The ‘light’ area also merged without boundaries with the underlying cuticle which was different from the surrounding cuticle. This modified cuticle, of which the anterior border lies about 1·3 μm from the posterior edge of the excretory pore, extends slightly beyond the ‘light’ area. Otherwise it is a useful topographical marker for the extent of the ‘light’ area.It is considered that the ‘light’ region has a special role in the physiology of the cuticle.I wish to thank Mrs M. Ross for expert technical assistance and Mr R. I. Sommerville for valuable advice. This work was supported by a U.S. Public Health Service Grant, AI 04093–05. The use of the Siemens electron microscope was made possible by a grant from the Australian Research Grants Committee. Financial help from Parke, Davis and Co. (Australia) is also gratefully acknowledged.