Schistosoma mansoni: reproductive potential of male and female worms cultured in vitro.
We studied the development of S. mansoni after various combinations of ex-vivo, cultured, and unisexual male and female worms were implanted into hamsters. Females of any type, co-implanted with ex-vivo males, were capable of developing to maturity and producing eggs containing viable miracidia. Cultured males often did not induce adequate growth and maturation of females, but viable miracidia were produced in some animals co-implanted with cultured males plus cultured, ex-vivo, or unisexual females. We concluded that both cultured males and females have the potential for full growth and reproductive maturation, but are retarded in vitro by inadequate culture conditions.
D000818:Animals; D006224:Cricetinae; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008647:Mesocricetus; D010274:Parasitology / Q000379:methods; D012098:Reproduction; D012550:Schistosoma mansoni / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*