Studies on the protein metabolism of cestodes. 2. Effect of free dietary amino acid supplements on the growth of Hymenolepis diminuta.

Abstract

The dry weight, nitrogen content, and total carbohydrate content of Hymenolepis diminuta were studied after a period of 15 days growth in rats, maintained on different diets. The special diets were fed during the last 7 days of this period.Using equal iso-molecular quantities, seven amino acids, representing the different classes of neutral amino acids, acidic amino acids and basic amino acids, have been screened for their effect on worm growth when added as free dietary supplement to the different diets. All of them, to a greater or lesser extent, had significant effects on worm growth.The award of a research grant by the Standing Advisory Committee for Medical Research in the British Caribbean is gratefully acknowledged. I am also indebted to Professors J. C. Waterlow and C. von Holt for the loan of equipment in order to carry out the carbohydrate and nitrogen determinations, to Professor I. M. Good-body for his continued interest and support, and to the Rippel Foundation for research facilities.