Autoradiographic studies on Fasciola hepatica L.

Abstract

Iron-59 (as a ferric chloride solution or as a component of haemoglobin) was introduced into the lumen of the gut of Fasciola hepatica. It was detected by autoradiography in high concentrations in the intestinal epithelium, the cuticular epithelium, the myoblasts and the cells forming the walls of the excretory tubules. Carbon-14, introduced as l-phenylalanine-C-14, was concentrated in the same tissues, with the exception of the intestinal epithelium. These findings are discussed in relation to the function of the respective tissues.