In vitro effects of inhibitors on ingestion and digestion of hemoglobin by Schistosoma mansoni schistosomules.

Hemoglobin in solution was added to cultures of Schistosoma mansoni schistosomules grown in vitro. Colchicine-treated and Actinomycin D-treated 7-day parasites ingested the hemoglobin, but only the former group displayed ability to digest the hemeprotein. Parasites fed hemoglobin immediately following skin penetration displayed digestive abilities after 48 hr. Perhaps the granules secreted from the esophageal gland are not necessary for the digestion of hemoglobin but may be required for the lysis of intact membranes of host erythrocytes.