Cellular reactions of the field cricket (Gryllus pennsylvanicus (Burmeister)) to Turgida turgida (Rudolphi, 1819) (Nematoda: Physalopteroidea)

Abstract

Cellular reactions to infections of Turgida turgida (Rudolphi, 1819) in field crickets (Gryllus pennsylvanicus (Burmeister) (=Acheta pennsylvanicus Burmeister)) were studied. Most larvae reached the epithelial cells of the ileum. These larvae caused little cellular destruction or haemocytic response until 18 h after infection. Syncytia of epithelial cell origin had formed around larvae by 28 h after infection. Initially, each syncytium was surrounded by haemocytes and later, by a wall with two well-defined layers. The epithelial layer of the alimentary tract had regenerated beneath the capsule by 48 days. Occasionally larvae penetrated directly into the haemocoel and were surrounded by haemocytes and(or) became melanized.