Functional ultrastructure of eggs and cellular organization of hexacanths of the cyclophyllidean cestode Thysanotaenia congolensis: a phylogenetic implication of obtained results

SUMMARYThe functional ultrastructure of eggs and cellular organization of hexacanths from gravid proglottids of Thysanotaenia congolensis, from black rats from Cape Verde, were examined by transmission electron microscopy. Mature eggs with fully formed hexacanths are grouped within parenchymatous capsules of gravid proglottids. Oncospheral envelopes surrounding mature hexacanths are reduced to a very thin membranous embryophore as their protective function is taken over by the parenchymatous capsules originating from the medullary parenchyma of immature proglottids and composed of three layers. Six major cell types are present: a bi-nucleate medullary centre; a six-nucleate U-shaped penetration gland; a second type of penetration gland; two neurosecretory-type nerve cells; about 30 somatic cells; and about 12 germinative cells. Present results on the functional ultrastructure of eggs and cellular organization of hexacanths support the phylogenetic distinction between T. congolensis and cestodes of the subfamily Anoplocephalinae.

HELMINTOS PARASITOS DE MOCÓS (Kerodon rupestris RODENTIA: CAVIIDAE) DE VIDA LIVRE E DE CATIVEIRO, NO SEMI-ÁRIDO NORDESTINO

Este estudo mostra a fauna helmintológica de 16 mocós (Kerodon rupestris) criados na região semi-árida do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Utilizou-se nove animais capturados no seu habitat natural e sete procedentes do cativeiro localizado no Centro de Multiplicação de Animais Silvestres no município de Mossoró. Após o sacrifício, os animais foram necropsiados e o trato digestório, traquéia, coração, pulmão, fígado, pâncreas e rins, foram observados quanto à presença de parasitos. Foram identificadas cinco espécies de nematódeos (Paraspidodera uncinata, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Trichuris gracilis, Trichuris muris e Vianella lenti) e uma de cestódeo (Thysanotaenia congolensis).