Studies on the glandular apparatus and secretions of virgulate xiphidiocercariae. I. Intravital and histochemical data

Abstract

Histochemical techniques were used to characterize the glandular contents and secretions of three species of virgulate xiphidiocercariae. Acid mucopolysaccharide, lipid material, and a substance or substances resembling elastin were detected in the mucoid glands and in the outer mucoid body coats and virgula organs. The more dorsally located cephalic glands contained protein and carbohydrate and shared staining properties with both collagen and elastin. Secretions induced by the India ink-saline technique emanated from the cephalic glands and from the mucoid glands by way of the virgula organ and outer mucoid body coat.