Energy utilization of infectiveAncylostoma tubaeformelarvae

Abstract

It has been demonstrated that under prolonged experimental conditions lipid is utilized most quickly under optimal conditions of tonicity, gaseous exchange, pH and sensory stimulation. There is good evidence that activity may be an appreciable energy-consuming process. It has been deduced, however, that the low Reynold's number means viscous forces dominate locomotory energy consumption, and work done is proportional to the square of the velocity. Osmoregulation in hypotonic media and tolerance of hypertonic media do not require appreciable energy.Locomotion is only possible in limited environmental conditions, and these may also be conditions of peak basal metabolism. Larvae are able to enter quiescence which is not energy-demanding, in poor conditions. Larvae can survive anaerobiasis, but finally die without reduction in lipid and cannot convert lipid to carbohydrate for anaerobic metabolism.The help of Mrs Helen Foreman in staining the larvae and for statistical analyses, and of Mr J. M. Smith is greatly appreciated. I would like to thank Dr Elizabeth U. Canning for kindly providing the microdensitometer and Professor G. S. Nelson and Dr D. A. Denham for enabling us to establishA. tubaeformein our cats. The generous support of the British Medical Research Council is much appreciated.