title: Membrane fluidity on the surface of Hymenolepis diminuta (Cestoda): immunological implications.
abstract: Regional differences of Hymenolepis diminuta to immune lysis have been investigated by monitoring surface membrane fluidity utilizing fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). Although the surface membrane of the newly excysted stage was completely immobile the molecular fluidity of the strobila membrane of 4-day-old parasites was greater than that associated with the scolex-neck region. Significant differences (P > 0.001) occurred in the mobility of the strobila membrane of 4-day-old H. diminuta from 100-worm infections compared with 7- and 21-day-old parasites and 4-day-old individuals from 10-worm infections. Exposure to 50% normal rat serum and 1 mg/ml rat C reactive protein decreased or eliminated membrane fluidity. The significance of membrane mobility is discussed with reference to resistance to complement-mediated lysis and destrobilation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Keele University, Staffs, UK.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Kusel
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hoole
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000494:pharmacology; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D005453:Fluorescence; D006926:Hymenolepis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008560:Membrane Fluidity; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013499:Surface Properties; D013712:Tenebrio
chemical_list: D003165:Complement System Proteins; D002097:C-Reactive Protein