A Histochemical Study with Fasciola hepatica

Abstract

SUMMARY A histochemical study with freshly isolated adult Fasciola hepatica showed the presence and distribution of succinic dehydrogenase, DPN diaphorase, TPN diaphorase, lactate dehydrogenase, cytochrome oxidase, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase within the parasite, and the occurrence of proteolytic activity in its caeca. An investigation of the in vitro effects of carbon tetrachloride, hexachlorophene, and hexachloroethane on the survival and histochemical status of adult F. hepatica revealed that while carbon tetrachloride at concentrations up to 100 p.p.m. for 18 hr. had no adverse effect, exposure to hexachlorophene at a level of 5 p.p.m. and hexachloroethane at 100 p.p.m for the same interval had lethal action. Although exposure to the latter 2 drugs proved to be trematocidal, a sparing effect on the staining intensity at the sites of oxidative enzymes was noted, compared to results obtained with control F. hepatica incubated in drug-free media. Possible reasons for this finding are discussed.