Article
Development of Schistosoma mansoni worms in mice analyzed by bright field and confocal microscopy
Registro en:
BONADIMAN, Sérgio Fernandes et al. Development of Schistosoma mansoni worms in mice analyzed by bright field and confocal microscopy. Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, v. 101, Suppl. I, p. 261-265, 2006.
0074-0276
10.1590/s0074-02762006000900040
1678-8060
Autor
Biolchini, Carla de Lamare
Neves, Renata Heisler
Hulstijn, Maarten
Gomes, Delir Corrêa
Silva, José Roberto Machado
Resumen
The blood flukes of mammals (Digenea: Schistosomatidae) are among trematodes unique whose adult worms have separated sexes which are dissimilar in appearance. The developmental features, growth and organogenesis of Schistosoma mansoni were studied in Swiss Webster mice by a digital system for image analysis and confocal microscopy. Data so far obtained showed two phases with significative morphological changes at 3-4 weeks post-infection, and a gradual similar development onwards in the reproductive system and tegument. Our male-dependent phase demonstrated that mating occurs before sexual maturing. At week three, the majority of male worms (59%) had formed the gynaecophoric canal although testicular lobes and tegumental tubercles were absent. By this time, 33% females had an incipient ovary (without cellular differentiation). At week four, 77.2% males presented testicular lobes with few germinative cells while 26% had developing tegumental tubercles. The immature ovary was observed in 69% females. Suckers followed different pattern of growth between male and females. The size of oral and ventral suckers from six-week-old male worms grew abruptly (3.0 fold) more than that of three-week-old. In female worms, maximum growth was attained at week four, reducing in size thereafter. From sixth week onwards, all specimens showed the fully developed reproductive system. Probably, these features are morphological traits which schistosome has experienced from hermaphrodite to dioecy.