Comparative electron microscopic and cytochemical studies on the cuticle and the hypodermis of Trichinella nativa (Britov et Boev, 1972) and T. pseudospiralis (Garkavi, 1972).
Using cytochemical methods, we disclosed both in the cuticle and the hypodermis of two-day-old females of T. nativa and T. pseudospiralis, in the area of the oesophagus, these substances: Cystine-containing proteins of the SS group, carbohydrates, acidic mucopolysaccharides (AMS), acid phosphatase (ACP) and a nonspecific esterase (NE). A regularly transverse striation (striae) in the cuticle reacts strongly with the method for cystine-containing proteins, weakly for carbohydrates, and negatively for AMS. Striae are present in most parts of the cuticle of T, nativa. By contrast, the amorphous cuticle of T. pseudospiralis is not striated, it stains for carbohydrates and AMS. The cuticular surface of both Trichinella species is made up of a carbohydrate matrix visible only in cytochemical reactions. By contrast to the cuticle of T. pseudospiralis, the electron density of the cuticle of T. nativa is increased by transverse extensions of the outer, hypodermal membrane which contain numerous muscle tendons terminating in desmosomes. Muscle extensions together with lysosomes entering the hypodermis react for NE and cystine, but not for ACP. The number and configuration of hypodermal glands influences the ornamentation of the cuticle. A secretion released from these glands reacts for carbohydrates and proteins. Together with the carbohydrate coat known to be present on the surface of Trichinella species, they might bring about an immunity reaction in the host.
D000818:Animals; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000032:analysis; D004950:Esterases / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans / Q000032:analysis; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D012867:Skin / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014234:Trichinella / Q000032:analysis / Q000145:classification / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D002241:Carbohydrates; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans; D011506:Proteins; D004950:Esterases