Protein Metabolism in Trematode Parasites

Abstract

Paramphistomum explanation, Gastrothylax crumenifer, andFasciola giganticawere maintained for periods of twelve hours in a non-nutrient medium containing streptomycin and penicillin to prevent bacterial growth. They were kept under aerobic conditions at a suitable temperature of 37%C. The protein content in P.explanatumranged from 50·0% to 54·7% with an average of 52·96%±0·23 of the dry weight of the tissue. InG. crumeniferit ranged from 43·5% to 51·5% with an average of 48·8%±0·56 of d.w.t. InF. giganticait ranged from 63·8% to 68·3% with an average of 66·5%±0·26 of d.w.t. The nitrogen content of theP. explanationexcreted as ammonia after a starvation period of twelve hours was 3·95% and as uric acid it was 0·077%. InG. crumeniferthe ammonia was 2·91% and uric acid 0·033%. InF. giganticaammonia was 2·51% and uric acid 0·1%.