Ultrastructural study of Trichinella spiralis with emphasis on adult male reproductive organs

Abstract

The ultrastructure of the reproductive system of adult male Trichinella spiralis has been examined, particularly to assist in recent advances such as the localization of target antigens of protective immunity and the mode of immune attack. The male reproductive system consists of a single tube with a hairpin-like bend, composed of a basal lamina, epithelial cells, rachis, circumferential and constrictor muscles, and germinal cells. The organs were surrounded by basal lamina and haemolymph. Germinal cells in different stages of maturation were found on the wall of the testis along its entire length. As the maturation of germinal cells proceeded, the cells moved towards the lumen of the testis. The germinal cells had a row of vesicles (cup-shaped structures) at the cell periphery. The mature sperm, lacking flagella and an acrosome, were stored in the seminal vesicle. The cytoplasm of the epithelial cells of the seminal vesicle and ejaculatory duct was filled with distended rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) and exocrine granules which appeared homogenous and of medium electron density. The granules appeared to discharge to the lumen.