Sensory basis of activity in Ancylostoma tubaeforme infective larvae

Abstract

Upon stimulation, following a period of ambient conditions, infective A. tubaeforme larvae follow a committed characteristic pattern of activity, after being released by short-term mechanical or continuous photic stimulation. For the photic response this is stimulated by an increase in the intensity of stimulation, and for non-dark-adapted larvae a sudden fivefold increase in illumination is required, irrespective of previous stimulation.Acetylcholine chloride, adenosine triphosphate, γ-amino butyric acid, histamine diphosphate, 5-hydroxytryptamine, neostigmine bromide, physostigmine (eserine), potassium hydroxide, succinyl choline chloride and d-tubocurarine chloride have been added to larvae and their subsequent postures and activity recorded. It is concluded that the typical activity pattern of larvae may be altered by the use of drugs which interfere with neuromuscular phenomena, and therefore the activity responses of infective A. tubaeforme are based on sensory and neurosecretory rather than energetic considerations.We thank Mrs Helen Foreman for maintaining the larvae and the Medical Research Council of Great Britain for their generous support.