Echinococcus granulosus (Cestoda): uptake of L-amino acids by secondary hydatid cysts

The uptake of cycloleucine, L-proline, L-alanine and L-threonine by secondary hydatid cysts of Echinococcus granulosus (U.K. horse strain 3-8 mm in diameter, derived from Balb/c mice infected 300-400 days previously) occurs by passive diffusion into the cyst wall (laminated layer plus germinal layer) and by mediated mechanisms into the fluid-filled interior. The maximal concentrations of these compounds are achieved after incubation for 2 h in vitro and approach those in vivo. Kt and Vmax values describing the uptake of these compounds are given. The flux rates for these compounds are extremely slow compared to those obtained with the protoscolex. A rationale for standardizing the experimental method for uptake studies with hydatid cysts is described.