The forebody glands and surface features of the metacercariae and adults of Microphallus similis

Numerous unicellular glands are present in the forebody of the metacercariae and adults of Microphallus similis. The gland cell bodies lie beneath the tegumental perinuclear cytoplasm and ducts pass upwards penetrating the tegumental distal cytoplasm. Electron dense granules are secreted onto the forebody surface and into the oesophagus via small pits in the tegument. Histochemical tests revealed that the glands contain diastase-resistant neutral mucosubstances, RNA, protein, esterase and small amounts of acid phosphatase; inhibitor studies indicated that the esterase was acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7). Ultracytochemistry showed that the mucosubstances were located in the general cytoplasm of the gland cells and that cholinesterase was present in the granules. The forebody of M. similis is covered by large toothed spines whereas the hindbody only bears short peg-like spines. It is suggested that the forebody spines may have an irritating, abrasive effect on the host's intestinal mucosa and that the secretion of acetylcholinesterase in the region of these spines may produce a ‘local anaesthetic’ effect on the host's gut by reducing movement in the immediate vicinity of the fluke, so decreasing the likelihood of expulsion.