TY - JOUR

T1 - Morpho-functional specialization of the branching sporocyst of Prosorhynchoides borealis Bartoli, Gibson & Bray, 2006 (Digenea, Bucephalidae)

AU - Podvyaznaya, I.M.

AU - Galaktionov, K.V.

PY - 2012

Y1 - 2012

N2 - Sporocysts of Prosorhynchoides borealis were obtained from the marine bivalves Abra prismatica and studied using transmission electron microscopy. Sporocyst body consists of a mass of branching and intertwining hollow tubules that ramify through the host’s digestive gland and gonads. This study investigated the ultrastructure of the sporocyst branches which comprise alternate distended areas (brood chambers) with a relatively thin body wall, narrower portions with a thicker body wall (constricted areas) and terminal regions. Pronounced differences between these areas were revealed in the structure of their tegument and body cavity lining as well as in the cellular composition of the subtegumental layers. Body wall composition in distended areas was consistent with the specialization for cercarial nurture in the brood chambers. The structure of the constrictions suggested a dual role of nutrient absorption and physical separation of adjacent brood chambers. Two types of terminal region were identified, one spe

AB - Sporocysts of Prosorhynchoides borealis were obtained from the marine bivalves Abra prismatica and studied using transmission electron microscopy. Sporocyst body consists of a mass of branching and intertwining hollow tubules that ramify through the host’s digestive gland and gonads. This study investigated the ultrastructure of the sporocyst branches which comprise alternate distended areas (brood chambers) with a relatively thin body wall, narrower portions with a thicker body wall (constricted areas) and terminal regions. Pronounced differences between these areas were revealed in the structure of their tegument and body cavity lining as well as in the cellular composition of the subtegumental layers. Body wall composition in distended areas was consistent with the specialization for cercarial nurture in the brood chambers. The structure of the constrictions suggested a dual role of nutrient absorption and physical separation of adjacent brood chambers. Two types of terminal region were identified, one spe

U2 - 10.1017/S0022149X11000137

DO - 10.1017/S0022149X11000137

M3 - Article

VL - 86

SP - 173

EP - 184

JO - Journal of Helminthology

JF - Journal of Helminthology

SN - 0022-149X

IS - 2

ER -