Selective distribution of sugars on the tegumental surface of adult Bothriocephalus gregarius (Cestoda: Pseudophyllidea).
Whole specimens and histological and semi-thin sections of Bothriocephalus gregarius adults were exposed to lectins to identify carbohydrates present in the tegument and parenchyma. The sugars N-acetyl glucosamine, N-acetyl galactosamine, galactose, glucose (or mannose) and fucose were detected in the cestode using eight lectins: WGA (Wheat germ agglutinin), HPA (Helix pomatia agglutinin), SBA (Soy bean agglutinin), PHA (Phaseolus vulgaris agglutinin), RCA60 and RCA120 (Ricinus communis toxin and agglutinin), ConA (Concanavalin agglutinin) and UEA-I (Ulex europaeus agglutinin). Combined use of these methodological approaches (whole specimens, paraffin and semi-thin sections) revealed the presence of a gradient in the distribution of most of the sugars over the tegument, with the highest concentrations on the strobila (as shown by most of the lectins). Other sugars were specific for the scolex or strobila (as shown by UEA-I or HPA, respectively). The ultrastructural study showed that the distribution of glycoconjugates was associated with the presence of specific tegumental coats. The significance of this selective distribution and its relevance to cestode physiology and host-parasite relationships are discussed.
Berrada-Rkhami
O
O
Laboratoire de Parasitologie comparée, URA CNRS 698 USTL, Montpellier, France.
Leducq
R
R
Gabrion
J
J
Gabrion
C
C
D000818:Animals; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000032:analysis*; D002589:Cestoda / Q000032:analysis* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D037102:Lectins; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
D002241:Carbohydrates; D037102:Lectins