Comparative Histochemical Studies on Cestodes I. The Distribution of Glycogen in Hymenolepis diminuta and Raillietina cesticillus

Abstract

Using the periodic acid-Schiff method and saliva-digested controls, it was demonstrated that both H. diminuta and R. cesticillus store large amounts of glycogen in the parenchyma, especially in the medullary region adjacent to the osmoregulatory canals and the reproductive organs. The mature sperm also give a positive reaction. Except for the vitellarium, which contains glycogen when mature, the reproductive organs are entirely free of polysaccharide. The significance of the distribution of glycogen in these cestodes is discussed and literature pertaining to glycogen distribution in cestodes is reviewed.