Buchmann K
Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
Folia Parasitol (Praha). 1998;45(4):312-8.
Histochemical studies of enzyme activities and structural elements in Gyrodactylus derjavini Mikailov, 1975 parasitizing fins of Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum were conducted. Marked activities of non-specific esterase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and amino-peptidase were found in the intestinal caeca of the parasite. A strong activity of acetylcholinesterase was seen in the nervous system. Extraintestinal non-specific and eserine-sulphate resistant esterase was localized in the distal part of the hamulus sheath. Activities of peroxidase and glucuronidase were not detected. In the embryo, developing hamuli were enclosed in a sheath rich in phospholipids. Deposits of neutral lipids were sparse. The fully developed ventral and dorsal hamulus bars stained strongly for calcium. Lectin binding assays showed a mannose rich region in the cephalic duct openings, strong reactions for galactose in the glycocalyx whereas reactions for lactose were weak. These findings are discussed with respect to the parasite-host relationship.
