Qualitative and quantitative histochemical changes in the caecum and liver of turkeys infected withHistomonas meleagridis

Abstract

Changes in the amount and distribution of acid and alkaline phosphatase, non-specific esterase, glycogen, lipid and acid mucopolysaccharide in the caecal wall and liver of turkey poults infected withHistomonas meleagridishave been studied histochemically. A microdensitometer was used to measure changes in activity and distribution of acid phosphatase and non-specific esterase in the caecal mucosa. During the course of the infection there is a marked reduction in activity and distribution of acid phosphatase and non-specific esterase but little change in the amounts and distribution of alkaline phosphatase, glycogen, lipid and acid mucopolysaccharide in the wall of the main part of the caecum. Similar, but smaller, changes occurred in the wall of the neck region of the caecum. In the liver most changes occurred in the immediate vicinity of the parasites. Initially, there was a reduction in the amount of glycogen in the parasitic lesions but later in the infection there was a marked loss of glycogen in all regions of the liver. Changes in the caecum are apparently brought about by the parasite prior to and after invasion of the caecal tissues; changes in the liver occur after it has been invaded.