Uptake of macromolecules by cercariae during skin penetration and transformation to schistosomula (Schistosoma mansoni)

Thornhill, J., Kusel, J., Alvisi de Oliviera, F., Ribeiro, F., Lima, S. F., Coelho, P. M. Z., McVeigh, P. and Mattos, A. C. A. (2010) Uptake of macromolecules by cercariae during skin penetration and transformation to schistosomula (Schistosoma mansoni). Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 105(4), pp. 387-390. (doi: 10.1590/s0074-02762010000400007) (PMID:20721480)

Abstract

Here, we observed the uptake of membrane-impermeant molecules by cercariae as they penetrate the skin and are transformed into schistosomula. We propose that membrane-impermeant molecules, Lucifer Yellow, Propidium iodide and Hoechst 33258 enter the parasite through both thenephridiopore and the surface membrane and then diffuse throughout the body of the parasite. We present a hypothesis that the internal cells of the body of the schistosomulum represent a new host-parasite interface, at which skin-derived growth factors may stimulate receptors on internal membranes during transformation of the cercariae into the schistosomulum.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Thornhill, Mrs Joyce and Kusel, Professor John
• Authors: Thornhill, J., Kusel, J., Alvisi de Oliviera, F., Ribeiro, F., Lima, S. F., Coelho, P. M. Z., McVeigh, P., and Mattos, A. C. A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz
• Publisher: Instituto Oswaldo Cruz
• ISSN: 0074-0276
• ISSN (Online): 1678-8060
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2010 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz 105(4): 387-390
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons license