Ultrastructural observations on nymphal Armillifer agkistrodontis

Abstract

Objective To observe the ultrastructure of nymphal Armillifer agkistrodontis by scanning and transmission electron microscope. Methods Nymphal A.agkistrodontis were collected from abdominal cavity of a mouse inoculated with ova of A.agkistrodontis from a snake in our laboratory.A.agkistrodontis nymphal were embedded in epoxy resin according to the routine method.The sample was cut into thin sections with a LKB super slicer,double stained and viewed under scanning electron microscope and transmissionelectron microscope. Results The outer shape, number of abdominal annuli.size and locality of the mouth were observed.Sense organ and papillae around the mouth of nymphal A.agkistrodontis were occasionally seen under scanning electron microscope.Folds were seen in inner margin of the mouth with a pair of curved hooks on both sides of it.Sucker-like sense organs of different sizes were fully distributed on the body surface.Waved folds were seen between the abdominal annuli of the body surface.Granulation-like anus opening was seen at the end of abdominal annuli.The cortical laver is consisted of outer cortex,lucidity layer,inner cortex,homogenous laver,medulla,striated layer and base plate observed under transmission electron microscope.Dense granules of different size were presented in the medulla forming different shapes with endoplasmic reticulum and canaliculus leading to homogenous layer.Medullary layer and striated laver were shown as wave shape.Below cortex cell of cortical layer many canaliculi were seen on the base plate.In cvtoplasm of the striated laver a large number of mitochondria could be seen. Conclusion The ultrastructure of nvmphal A.agkistrodontis was observed with scanning and transmission electron microscopy.Two pairs of hooks of mouth aperture and different sizes of sucker-like sense organ fully distributed on the body surface.Under worm cortical layer,around the nucleolus,there are many endoplasm webs,sugar granule and mitochondria by many canaliculi are opening on the base plate to cortical layer. Key words: Nymphal Armillifer agkistrodontis; Hook mouth; Abdominal annuli; Papilla; Sense organ; Uhrastructure