Fasciola hepatica: a technique for monitoring in vitro motility

An apparatus utilizing a force and displacement transducer is described for the direct and long-term recording of the motility in vitro of Fasciola hepatica. Normal movement is typically rhythmical, with bursts of more powerful contractions alternating with periods of lesser activity. Such rhythms and the overall level of activity are maintained for more than 30 hr. The fluke remains active for much longer periods of time: recordings of fluke movements have been made for up to 4 days. Potential damage to the fluke caused by the attachment system within the recording apparatus has been determined by the Evans' Blue Technique and scanning electron microscopy. It is restricted to the attachment sites, and does not spread to other parts of the body over the 30-hr normal activity period. Transmission electron microscope studies have shown that the tegument retains its structural and functional integrity over this period of time. There are advantages of the recording apparatus over previous kymographic methods for studying fluke motility.