Glucose Transfer from Male to Female Schistosomes

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Abstract
The rate of glucose assimilation by male and female Schistosoma mansoni is significantly greater in copulating than separated flukes, especially in copulating females. In the 3 medically important schistosome species [S. mansoni, S. japonicum and S. haemoctobium], glycogen content is greater in unpaired males than in copulating males, suggesting that the female depletes glycogen stored in the male. Transfer of 14C glucose from the male to the copulating female was demonstrated over a period of minutes. A considerable portion of the glucose utilized by the female during her life may be supplied by the male.