Histological and histochemical studies on the paraoesophageal glands in cercariae and metacercariae of Echinostoma revolutum and E. trivolvis

Abstract

AbstractHistological and histochemical studies were made on the excysted metacercariae and cercariae of Echinostoma revolutum and E. trivolvis. The paraoesophageal glands of the cercariae of both echinostome species stained positively with the intravital dyes, neutral red and nile blue sulphate. The paraoesophageal glands of excysted metacercariae of E. revolutum did not display positive staining with the intravital dyes. Some excysted metacercariae of E. trivolvis displayed positive staining of the paraoesophageal glands, while others displayed either a negative reaction or reduced staining. The lack of staining with intravital dyes, of paraoesophageal glands of excysted metacercariae of E. revolutum, suggests that the glands play a role in either the final stages of encystment, or in excystation in E. revolutum.