The morphogenesis of microtriches in the tegument of Taenia hydatigena throughout its larval development.
An electron microscope study was made on the development of microtriches, basic cytoplasmic inclusions, rod-shaped bodies and lamellated bodies in the larva of T. hydatigena. In the initial stage of its development, the tegument contains rod-shaped bodies and spineless or branching microtriches. An electron-dense substance released from rod-shaped bodies constitutes the basic substance of the tegument. Lamellated, secretory bodies appear in the tegument at the time of a differentiation of the scolex anlage. We believe that contents of lamellated bodies are released to the external environment either by their fusion with surface channels or their secernment in microtriches of the scolex anlage. The released secretion cements microtriches of a less active bladder in order to produce a defence barrier against host cells. Microtriches which have completed their secernment in an environment containing the secretory substance, close up in a point composed of the electron dense substance released from rod-shaped bodies. At the stage of encystment, microtriches become detached from the cementing substance which then is deposited on the inner side of the cyst wall. Lamellated bodies vacuolate.
D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007814:Larva / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009024:Morphogenesis; D013621:Taenia / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D014617:Vacuoles / Q000648:ultrastructure