Histochemical Studies of Esterases in the Cuticle and Nerve Cords of Four Cyclophyllidean Cestodes

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Abstract
The histochemical locali-zation of nonspecific (simple) esterase and cholinesterase and the effects of esterase inhibitors on these enzymes have been studied in Hymenolepis diminuta, H. nana, Dipylidium canintum, and Hydatigera taeniaeformis. The enzymes are primarily localized in the cuticle and nervous system, but with quantitative and qualitative differences from species to species. Inhibition studies suggest that the enzyme hydrolyzing both acetate and thiocholine substrates is an eserine-, fluoride-, and organic phosphate-sensitive cholinesterase. Partial inhibition by a strong ammonium base and hydrolysis of two different choline esters indicate that both acetyl-cholinesterase and pseudocholinesterase are involved.