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Observations on the fine structure of the cercaria of Notocotylus attenuatus and formation of the cyst wall of the metacercaria

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Summary

The dorsal tegument of the mature cercaria of Notocotylus attenuatus is a syncytial, cytoplasmic layer, containing two types of secretory granule which are identifiable ultrastructurally. The “type 1” secretory bodies are electron lucid, whereas most “type 2” granules have a banded appearance. The ventral tegument contains granules which are secreted from the “type 3” cells; the “type 3” granules are membrane bound, electron dense, and consist of both an amorphous and a finely striated zone. The “type 4” cells mainly contain cigar-shaped granules consisting of an amorphous core surrounded by concentric striations. The granules exhibit structural variability in shape and content. The “type 4” cells undergo a cellular migration to the tegument during encystment. The structure of the posterior-lateral glands and mode of secretion of the granules are described. Possible functions of microtubules are discussed for each cell type. Details of some secretory processes involved in the formation of the hemispherical cyst wall are described. The layers of the cyst wall may be related to the granular contents of the various parenchymal cells of the cercaria. The tegument of the metacercaria originates primarily from the cytoplasm of the “type 1”, “type 2”, “type 3” and “type 4” cells.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Molteno Institute, University of Cambridge, England

    V. R. Southgate

  2. Department of Zoology, British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, S.W.7, London, England

    V. R. Southgate

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  1. V. R. Southgate
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Southgate, V.R. Observations on the fine structure of the cercaria of Notocotylus attenuatus and formation of the cyst wall of the metacercaria. Z. Zellforsch. 120, 420–449 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00324901

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00324901

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