Microscopic visualization of the body organisation in diplozoids
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| Year of publication | 2013 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
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| Description | Diplozoidae represent blood-feeding gill ectoparasites of freshwater fish. They exhibit extraordinary morphology and life cycle involving permanent fusion of two larval worms and their subsequent transformation into one individual (permanent copula). Different developmental stages including diporpa, juvenile and adult of 3 species Paradiplozoon homoion, Paradiplozoon blicae and Eudiplozoon nipponicum were investigated for the body organisation and its adaptation to the ectoparasitic life. Using a combined approach of light, confocal and electron microscopy, this study focused on the parasite attachment to and localization on the host body. Special attention was given to parasite’s digestive, reproductive and excretory systems. The attachment apparatus along with attached muscle bundles forms during parasite’s development, which is clearly visible under the confocal microscope and in histological sections. Labelling of filamentous actin with fluorescent phaloidin revealed the musculature of the body wall, buccal suckers, the pharynx as well as some parts of reproductive tract. Staining with chloride carmine and counterstaining with DAPI proved to be powerful tools for confocal microscopic detection of various cell types including putative gland cells. A preliminary immunofluorescent detection of alfa-tubulin showed to be suitable for visualisation of excretory system, some parts of nervous system and spermatozoons. In addition, a strong autofluorescence signal, excited in the green wavelengths, facilitated visualization of egg and vitelloduct reservoir without specific staining. |
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