Fasciola hepatica: surfaces involved in movement of miracidia and cercariae

Abstract

Rapid freezing and substitution with fixative prior to scanning electron microscopy was used to demonstrate the pattern of beat and recovery of the cilia of free swimming miracidia ofFasciola hepatica. There were stages of dexioplectic metachronal co-ordination and the power stroke was approximately 15° anticlockwise from the anterior–posterior axis. Around the circumference of the body of the miracidia there were approximately 12 metachronal waves of power and recovery. Free-swimming cercariae were recorded by time-lapse photography and, after conventional fixation, by scanning electron microscopy. Cercarial tail-beats were to the posterior of the body in the lateral plane at a rate of 8 Hz. The tail has paired lateral ridges positioned to act as leading edges. There is an array of 32 sensory papillae on the mid-ventral surface of the tail. The tegument of the most distal part of the tail is described: it is free of sensory endings and the surface shows a spiral pattern.