Effect of Crytocotyle lingua on the ionic concentration of Littorina obstusata (L.).

ABSTRACT

The concentration of Sodium, Potassium and Calcium ions (the most important inorganic ions in the body fluid) were determined in both parasitized and uninfected Littorina obtusata (L.). The ionic concentrations were determined using a Pye Unicam SP atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Sodium and calcium were determined using the absorption mode while, potassium concentration was measured in the emission mode using special Potassium filter. The results reveals, no significant difference in the concentration of Na+, K+ and Ca++ between parasitized and uninfected L. obtusata. It seems that although the presence of the parasite within the molluscan hosts caused dramatic effects in the tissue and physiology of the snail, the blood ionic concentration of parasitized snail remains isosmotic to that of the surrounding medium.