Histochemical Observations on Hydrolytic Enzymes in Cercariae of Plagiorchis elegans, with Notes on Morphology of Nervous System

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Abstract
Histochemical methods for alkaline and acid phosphatase, .beta.-glucuronidase, leucine aminopeptidase, nonspecific esterase and acetylcholinesterase were applied to intact cercariae of P. elegans. Reactions for alkaline and acid phosphatase were localized at the same sites in the tail, acetabulum, oral sucker, excretory bladder and caudal pocket. No reactions were obtained for .beta.-glucuronidase and leucine aminopeptidase. Reactions for nonspecific esterase and acetylcholinesterase occurred throughout the nervous system of the body and tail and were inhibited by 10-3 M eserine. When the substrate concentration of acetylthiocholine iodide was increased, a superficial network of longitudinal and circular fibers was visualized. Localization with both enzymes revealed interior nerve trunks, sensory nerve endings, transverse commissures and highly reactive areas around the stylet and in the caudal pocket.

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