The cytology of the intestine of the parasitic nematode Capillaria hepatica (Bancroft 1893)

Abstract

The cytology of the intestinal epithelium of the parasitic nematode Capillaria hepatica (Bancroft 1893) was examined using light and electron microscopy. Only a single cell type could be distinguished. The cells are characterized by an extensive development of granular endoplasmic reticulum which occurs within the periphery of the cell and by a high concentration of glycogen within the central region of the cell. The Golgi zone is situated basally between the endoplasmic reticulum and the glycogen. The cells bear numerous microvilli on their luminal surface. The microvilli are covered by an extracellular, fibrous, mucopolysaccharide or mucoprotein. The possible significance of this extracellular material, and of the association of organelles with respect to glycogen synthesis, is speculated upon. From the extensive development of the organelles within the intestinal cells, it may be concluded that the intestine is capable of considerable synthetic activity as well as the uptake and transport of materials to the pseudocoelomic fluid.