Localization of some enzymes in polycephalic larvae of two species of the genus Multiceps (Cestoda).

The histochemical distribution of alkaline phosphatase (AIP), acid phosphatase (AcP) and nonspecific esterase (NE) has been determined in polycephalic larvae of the species Multiceps multiceps Leske, 1870 and M. endothoracicus Kirschenblat, 1948. In the scolex anlages of both species, an activity of these enzymes has been determined in sites associated with growth and with the transport of metabolites. In a young larva of M. multiceps, the activity of AIP, AcP and NE was strong in the entire proliferating bladder wall surrounding groups of scoleces, but absent in the remaining part of the bladder wall outside the area of these scolex groups. In young larvae of M. endothoracicus, AlP and NE activity was highest in the modified bladder wall forming a verrucose mound, and at the site of the opening of the invaginated canal. No activity of these enzymes was demonstrated in mature and aging larvae.