The source, release and specificity of proteolytic enzyme activity produced by Anisakis simplex larvae (Nematoda: Ascaridida) in vitro

ABSTRACTIndirect fluorescent antibody techniques and incubation of sectioned and ligatured larvae have been used to locate the source of azocoll-positivc secretions within the oesophagcal glands of third-stage Anisakis simplex larvae. The “excretory” system, previously suggested as a source of invasive enzymes, docs not seem to be involved. The proteolytic enzyme has trypsin-like properties and evidence is presented for its continuous synthesis during in vitro storage.