The fine structure of the intestine and hind gut of the larva of Trichinella spiralis

Abstract

The brush border of the intestinal cells of the infective larva of Trichinella spiralis is shown to consist of microvilli. It is suggested that large vesicular complexes in association with Golgi complexes may be responsible for the production of the mucopolysaccharide or mucoprotein filling the lumen of the intestine. Indirect evidence of a latent intranuclear virus infection is presented. The cuticle lining the hind gut, although continuous with the external cuticle, is not similar in structure.I would like to thank Dr D. L. Lee for instruction in all aspects of this work, Professor Boyd for the use of the Anatomy Department electron microscope and the Agricultural Research Council for financial support.