Comparative ultrastructure of the oesophageal glands of third stage larval hookworms

Smith J. M. 1976. Comparative ultrastructure of the oesophageal glands of third stage larval hookworms. International Journal for Parasitology6: 9–13. The oesophageal glands of the third stage larvae of Necator americanus and Ancylostoma tubaeforme are compared, both before and after penetration through skin. The glands of “infective” larvae of N. americanus are densely packed with secretory granules, contrasting with a reduced gland size in the “penetrated” larvae coupled with the presence of gland secretions in the oesophageal lumen.No difference was observed between the glands of “infective” and “penetrated” larvae of A. tubaeforme. The role of oesophageal gland secretions for penetration of host skin is discussed.