Abstract
The first change in the sequence of morphological events occurring as fully developed Ichthyophthirius multifiliis trophonts spontaneously left gill epithelium or as younger trophonts departed, following experimentally induced death of the fish, was the separation of parasites from overlying host cells. Discharge of contractile vacuoles may have played a role in this process. Spaces then appeared between host cells, and individual epithelial cells became vacuolated. Finally, the epithelium ruptured and the parasites swam free. In induced exit after three days residence in the host, departure of the trophont was evident only after autolysis of epithelium had occurred. Induced departure of trophonts after four days residence was more rapid, suggesting an active role for the parasite in exit. Changes in parasite and epithelium observed in induced exit were similar to those in spontaneous departure after five days residence.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
