Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine if intestinal contractions were important in the migration behaviour of the rat tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta. The objectives were to investigate the intestinal motility responses of the host to a meal which initiates worm migration, and the worms' responses to an artificial peristaltic contraction. A 1 g glucose meal elicited a significant orad migration by H. diminuta in the small intestine of the rat host when compared to water-fed controls ( P < 0.05). The glucose meal also significantly increased the transit rate, and thus, frequency of intestinal contractions in the small intestine of the rat, when compared to water-fed controls ( P < 0.05). Application of a circumintestinal ligature (6.3 g) (simulating an intestinal peristaltic contraction) resulted in significant worm migration when the ligature was applied in regions containing the worm's strobila as compared to controls where loose ligatures were tied in regions containing the strobila, or to controls where tight ligatures were tied ahead of the worm's strobila. These results suggest that H. diminuta migrates in an orad direction in response to the mechanical pressure produced by intestinal contractions induced by host feeding. It is concluded that contractions of the small intestine are an important cue in the migration behaviour of this cestode.
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.
