Incomplete fragmentation of giant tegument nuclei in acanthocephalus tenuirostris (palaeacanthocephala, echinorhynchida)

Abstract

The giant nuclei of the Acanthocephalus tenuirostris tegument at the late acanthella stage show incomplete fragmentation. This process is preceded by the transformation of the nuclei, and their acquisition of a tree-like shape. Thin connections between the nuclear fragments of the tegument is retained both at the stage of cystacanth and in the adult acanthocephalans. It is assumed that such an organization of the nuclear structure ensures the vital activity of the tegument, the volume of which increases repeatedly during the subsequent growth of the acanthocephalan.