Ultrastructral studies on the tegument of Dicrocoelium dendriticum (Rudolphi, 1819) Looss 1899.
The tegument of Dicrocoelium dendriticum was studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. It consists of an anucleate surface syncytium and a deeper nucleated zone. The syncytial layer covers the entire surface of the fluke. It is connected to the nucleated zone through thin cytoplasmic strands. The syncytium is bounded by an apical plasma membrane which is highly folded. This layer mainly contains abundant mitochondria of varying size and shape, and two types of granules, dumbbell shaped and spherical. Although the apical surface shows active exocytosis, no evidence for endocytosis is observed. This is the first study from the State of Kuwait showing the presence of this liver fluke in sheep imported from other countries.
Department of Science, College of Basic Education, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, Adaliya, Kuwait. bahbah2007@hotmail.com
Bahija
B
Al-Behbehani
T Chacko
TC
Mathew
Hussein M
HM
Dashti
D000818:Animals; D004013:Dicrocoelium / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D034582:Integumentary System