Histochemical distribution of hydrolytic enzymes in adult Onchocerca fasciata (Filarioidea: Onchocercidae).

Histochemical techniques were employed to study the tissue distribution of hydrolytic enzymes in adult female Onchocerca fasciata (Filarioidea: Onchocercidae). Different tissues differed considerably in the localization and distribution of the six enzymes studied. Acid phosphatase (AcPase) activity was detected in the cuticle, hypodermis and reproductive organs. Alkaline phosphatase (AlkPase) activity was largely absent. Adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) was found in the somatic musculature and muscles of the uterine ducts, whereas 5'-nucleotidase (5'-Nu) was restricted to young oocytes and dividing embryos in the female worm. Strong glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase) activity was demonstrated in the uterine epithelial cells and microfilariae, as was weak activity in the hypodermis. Naphthylamidase (NAM) activity was detected in the hypodermis, with lower activity occurring in the somatic musculature. The possible functions of these enzymes are discussed with respect to their location. The hydrolytic enzymes AcPase and NAM in the body wall are probably involved in absorptive-digestive functions, NAM in the somatic musculature may be concerned with tissue protein turnover, and ATPase, 5'-Nu and G-6-Pase may have a role in active transport and energy metabolism.