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Taeniid tapeworm responses to in vitro glucose
Kaethe Willms1, Ana María Fernández Presas, José Agustín Jiménez
1Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Ciudad Universitaria, México 04510, México. kaethe@servidor.unam.mx
Parasitology Research
|May 27, 2005
Summary
Glucose uptake occurs along the entire tegument of Taenia solium and Taenia crassiceps worms. This suggests intestinal worms can absorb glucose across their surface, enhancing survival.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Taeniid tapeworms, including Taenia solium and Taenia crassiceps, are intestinal parasites.
- Understanding nutrient absorption mechanisms is crucial for parasite control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate glucose uptake by the tegument of experimental taeniid strobilae.
- To determine if glucose influences gap junction complex activity in the worm tegument.
Main Methods:
- Taeniid strobilae were incubated in varying glucose concentrations (0, 5, 20 mM).
- Worms were exposed to Lucifer Yellow, a gap junction fluorochrome.
- Frozen sections were analyzed using epifluorescent microscopy.
Main Results:
- Incubation with glucose resulted in intense fluorescence at the tegumentary surface of both Taenia species.
- Significant differences in fluorescence intensity were observed between glucose-treated and control worms.
- These findings indicate glucose uptake occurs along the entire strobilar tegument.
Conclusions:
- The taeniid tegument exhibits active glucose absorption capabilities.
- This tegumentary glucose absorption may supplement nutrient uptake from the host's intestinal wall.
- Enhanced glucose absorption capacity could increase the survival of these intestinal parasites.