Cytochemical localization of peroxidase activity in the miracidium of Schistosoma mansoni.

Distribution of peroxidase activity in the mitochondria of the miracidium of the blood fluke, Schistosoma mansoni, was investigated cytochemically using the diaminobenzidine (DAB) technique. Re-action product was localized in the mitochondria of this larvae stage at pH 7.4 and 9.7. The reaction was peroxide-dependent and insensitive to either potassium cyanide, sodium azide, or 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole at the concentrations used. The reaction was inactivated by heat and by pretreatment with methanol-nitro-ferricyanide, and inhibitor of peroxidase. A perioxide-independent reaction was also observed in the mitochondria. This latter reaction was sensitive to potassium cyanide and sodium azide. It is hypothesized that the peroxidase either may act where peroxide is an electron acceptor in a flavoprotein-linked system or may be a vestige of a more primitive pathway. No peroxidase activity was observed in the mitochondria of other stages of the life cycle of the worm.