Two- and three-dimensional locomotion of the nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis

Locomotion of adult Nippostrongylus brasiliensis has been studied in saline, in 0.6% agar, in sodium alginate of different viscosities and amongst sand grains in these media. In saline the nematode formed two-dimensional waves but there was little forward progression. Amongst sand grains in saline the nematode moved forwards by thrusting against sand grains, but thigmokinetic behaviour later resulted in quiescence. In 0.6% agar and in alginates of weak viscosity the nematode produced two-dimensional waves and sometimes a three-dimensional helical wave which resulted in forward movement. The formation of three-dimensional waves and the distance travelled increased with increasing viscosity up to 4% sodium alginate and also amongst sand gains in these media. In 8% sodium alginate the nematode became coiled like a spring but remained almost stationary. The three-dimensional wave is formed with torsion and obtains thrust from the viscous medium. In the intestine of the host thrust will be obtained from the mucus and villi of the intestinal mucosa. The ability of this nematode to move by two- and three-dimensional undulatory propulsion is probably related to its complex ridged cuticle. Attention is drawn to the role that increased viscosity of mucus may play in entrapping nematodes during their immune rejection.