In vivo Pheromone Activity in Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nematoda)

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Abstract
Both sexes of N. brasiliensis were distributed in the anterior 50% of the mouse intestine from 4.5-8 days postinfection [p.i.]. Most worms were recovered from a region that represented 20% of the pyloric-caecal distance. The worms dispersal increased to 70-75% of the intestine at 10 days p.i. Food deprivation for 48 h had a similar effect. Surgical transfer of females to the anterior region of the intestine induced dosage-dependent locomotion by posteriorly placed males. The male response was reduced or eliminated by lengthy distances from females, peristalsis and pre-exposure to female pheromone. Females were attractive from 4-10 days p.i., based on the male''s in vivo response. Males were responsive to pheromone at 6-10 days p.i.