The envelope surrounding Polymorphus minutus (Goeze, 1782) (Acanthocephala) during its development in the intermediate host, Gammarus pulex

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
1. The envelope surrounding Polymorphus minutus during its development in Gammarus pulex has been found to be a capsule produced by a wound healing haemocytic reaction of the host. The haemocytic reaction is stimulated when the parasite stretches the connective tissue serosa of the host's gut.2. The capsule is a thin, acellular structure, consisting of a protein-carbohydrate complex like that constituting host connective tissue. This material is produced and deposited by the haemocytes.3. The ability of the haemocytes to produce this protein-carbohydrate material is considered to be the mechanism which ensures the growth of the capsule during the subsequent development of the parasite in the haemocoel.4. A second layer appears within the capsule just before the parasite reaches the cystacanth stage. This layer is believed to be produced by the parasite.5. The relevant literature is reviewed, and it appears that the envelopes surrounding all developing Acanthocephala, which have been studied to date, are probably capsules originating in the manner described above.I am very grateful to Dr P. Tate for advice and encouragement during this work, and to Dr George Salt, F.R.S., for helpful discussions and criticism of the manuscript.