Ultrastructural aspects of feeding and secretion–excretion by the equine parasite Strongylus vulgaris

Abstract

Light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy were employed to provide further data on the putative origins of the immunogenic secretory–excretory product (ESP) of Strongylus vulgaris (Looss 1900). The sharply delineated but superficial attachment to the equine caecum by the mouth leaves behind an oval area devoid of epithelial cells. Attachment does not extend deeply enough to reach the muscularis mucosa layer of the equine intestine. The progressive digestion of the ingested plug of tissue (epithelial cells, blood cells and mucous) was visualized. The coelomocytes, floating cells and membranous structures located in the pseudocoelom and intimately associated with the digestive, excretory and reproductive systems, and with the somatic muscles are described. The secretory–excretory system comprises two, ventrally-located, secretory–excretory glands connected to tubular elements. These glands synthesize granules of various sizes and densities that are delineated.