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Ontogenetic changes in helminth membrane function.
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Keele.
Parasitology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Parasitic helminths adapt their nutrient uptake mechanisms to diverse host environments. These adaptations, particularly on the tegument, involve regulating sugar and amino acid transport, with some stages absorbing macromolecules while others do not.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Molecular Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Parasites inhabit diverse environments throughout their life cycles, necessitating physiological adaptations for nutrient acquisition.
- Helminth parasites, particularly, exhibit specialized tegumentary surface adaptations to exploit host physicochemical characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe adaptations in monosaccharide and amino acid transport in helminth parasites.
- To highlight differences in nutrient uptake mechanisms between different life-cycle stages and host environments.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of monosaccharide transport regulation in Trematoda (Proterometra sp.).
- Description of monosaccharide and amino acid uptake in Cestoda (Hymenolepis diminuta) across different life stages.
- Examination of nutrient and macromolecule transfer across parasite membranes (Echinococcus granulosus).
Main Results:
- Environmental sodium influences monosaccharide transport expression in Proterometra sp.
- Hymenolepis diminuta shows distinct nutrient transport mechanisms in its arthropod and mammalian hosts.
- Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cysts absorb macromolecules, while protoscoleces are impermeable to them.
Conclusions:
- Helminth nutrient transport systems are highly adapted to specific host environments and life-cycle stages.
- Differences in nutrient availability drive the evolution of specialized uptake mechanisms, including macromolecule absorption.
- Further research can elucidate the molecular basis of these adaptive transport capabilities.