Electron Microscope Studies of the Gland Cells and Host-Parasite Interface of the Adhesive Organ of Cyathocotyle bushiensis Khan, 1962

Abstract

Under the electron microscope the gland cells associated with the adhesive organ of C. bushiensis appear pear-shaped with the tapering portion extending ventrally and continuing as a slender duct varying in diameter from 0.5 to 0.9 [mu]. The duct contains the secretion discharged from each gland cell. Morphologically this secretion is complex and comprises (1) dense spherical granular [alpha] -bodies 0.1 to 0.2 [mu] diam; (2) a finely granular material in which the dense bodies are embedded; (3) mitochondria. Ducts from adjacent gland cells fuse forming wide common ducts running to the adhesive organ surface. This surface, in intimate contact with the host surface, contrasts markedly with the cuticle covering the rest of the body and consists of a thin membrane elevated to form numerous microvilli. Some distance (1 to 1.5 [mu]) from the microvillous membrane is a thick, fibrous basement membrane perforated at intervals by the common ducts from the gland cells. The gland cell secretions accumulate in a lacuna-like space between the microvillous surface and the basement membrane. The significance of this specialized surface is discussed in relation to absorption and secretion and with reference to its intimate association with the host mucosa.