Histochemical Studies on Hymenolepis microstoma (Cestoda: Hymenolepididae). III. Effects on the Bile Duct of the Mouse

Abstract

A histochemical study has been made on the effect of Hymenolepis micro-stoma on the common bile duct of the mouse. The bile containing worms is abnormally distended due, in part, to aggregations of lymphocytes in the periductal connective tissue and hyperplasia of glandular tissue. The straited border of the mucosa displays the normal straining pattern following the PAS technique in both uninfected and infected bile ducts where the worm is not in contact with the mucosal epithelium. In areas where the worm is in contact with the epithelium, the straited border strains poorly or not at all with PAS. In addition, the typically columnar cells assume a cuboidal to squamous shape and, in some instances, inflammation of the epithelium is apparent. Succinic dehy-drogenase activity and RNA content in those cells in contact with the worm are all but oliterated. Alkaline phosphatase activity is increased substantially in the periductal connective tissue of infected bile ducts.