Ultrastructure and histochemistry of the protonephridial system of juvenile Paramphistomum epiclitum and Fischoederius elongatus (Paramphistomidae: Digenea) during migration in Indian ruminants.

ABSTRACT

The protonephridial system of juvenile Paramphistomum epiclitum and Fischoederius elongatus consists of a bilaterally symmetrical arrangement of primary, secondary and tertiary ducts which connect individual flame cells with a simple common bladder. Primary and secondary ducts are formed from columns of adjoining cells which provide an epithelial lining, whose luminal surface is elaborated with either short tubercles or lamellae. Groups of cilia project from the luminal surface at frequent intervals along secondary ducts. By contrast, the tertiary ducts and bladder are lined with a nucleated syncytium which ends at a junctional complex formed with the terminal canal. The latter is continuous with the tegumental syncytium and opens at a nephridiopore on the postero-dorsal surface. Tertiary ducts of mature cercariae contain concretions which are voided by migrating juveniles in whose tertiary ducts lipids are progressively accumulated. Evidence for the role of protonephridia in excretion and possibly in osmoregulation and ionic balance is currently examined.