L'Organisation Ultrastructurale Corticale de la Gregarine Lecudina pellucida; ses Rapports avec l'Alimentation et la Locomotion

SYNOPSIS. The structure of the cortical region (epicyte and ectoplasm) of the gregarine Lecudina pellucida , an intestinal parasite of the polychete worm Perinereis cultrifera was studied by electron microscopy.
The epicitary folds have 3 unit type membranes. Between the 1st and 2nd is a layer probably composed of fine longitudinal fibrils which has an arch-like or gutter-like structure at the crest of the folds. Inside these folds is cytoplasm without any noticeable differentiation or inclusion except for a granular (or finely fibrillar) layer under the limiting inner membrane and close to it.
The ectoplasmic zone of the entocyte is separated from the epicitary region by a lengthwise discontinuous cylindrical opaque layer, inwardly tangential to the folds. The ectoplasm lacks paraglycogen granules but has various organelles: apparently pinocytic vesicles against the wall between the folds, vesicles with myelinic membranes, opaque granules, a few mitochondria with blistered internal vesicles, and a few circular tubular fibers.
The superficial zone of the gregarine is supposed to contribute to nutrition, thru the extensive surface furnished by its folds and thru the pinocytic vesicles; but this alimentary intake is incomplete compared with that of the previously studied anterior region.
Insufficient mucus is discharged to account for locomotion. There are some circular ectoplasmic fibers, but locomotory myonemes are completely absent. However, there are deformations of the folds and corresponding waves that could account for locomotion by creeping or swimming. These movements of the folds might be due to the action of the contractile proteins and correspond with some of the layers seen in the wall.