The anterior glands of adult Necator americanus (Nematoda: Strongyloidea). II. Cytochemical and functional studies

Acetylcholinesterase has been localized in the amphidial and oesophageal glands of N. americanus, but not in the excretory glands. Leucine aminopeptidase has been found in the oesophageal glands and also in the intestine. Proteases are liberated from the excretory pore and are thought to originate from the excretory glands. The absolute level of acetylcholinesterase in Necator is high (1470 μm/g/hr). Both Necator and Nippostrongylus brasiliensis synthesize and secrete acetylcholinesterase in culture medium outside the host. Every 24 hr, for up to 10 days, the worms release a quantity of acetylcholinesterase equivalent to 2–3 times the amount they contained at the beginning of the culture experiment.