Echinococcus granulosus (Cestoda): uptake of L-amino acids by secondary hydatid cysts

Abstract

SUMMARYThe uptake of cycloleucine, L-proline, L-alanine and L-threonine by secondary hydatid cysts ofEchinococcus granulosus(U.K. horse strain 3–8 mm in diameter, derived from Balb/c mice infected 300–400 days previously) occurs by passive diffusion into the cyst wall (laminated layer plus germinal layer) and by mediated mechanisms into the fluid-filled interior. The maximal concentrations of these compounds are achieved after incubation for 2 hin vitroand approach thosein vivo.Ktand Vmaxvalues describing the uptake of these compounds are given. The flux rates for these compounds are extremely slow compared to those obtained with the protoscolex. A rationale for standardizing the experimental method for uptake studies with hydatid cysts is described.