Fertilization of the Cestode Schistocephalus solidus In vitro

Abstract

Plerocercoids of Schistocephalus when matured in vitro at 40[degree]C normally produce infertile eggs, due to the failure of spermatozoa to reach the receptacula[long dash]a result attributed to lack of compression during maturation. When 2-4 larvae are matured together in 0.25 in. cellulose tubing in tubes of horse serum[long dash]the whole being continually agitated[long dash]a high proportion of fertile eggs (up to 77%) is obtained. Histological examination of worms cultured under these conditions revealed that receptacula were filled with spermatozoa indicating that impregnation had taken place.