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Distribution of zinc in parasitic helminths

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 June 2009

N. Chowdhury
Affiliation:
Punjab Agricultural University, Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Physiology, College of Veterinary Science, Ludhiana 141004, Punjab, India
Rajvir Singh
Affiliation:
Punjab Agricultural University, Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Physiology, College of Veterinary Science, Ludhiana 141004, Punjab, India

Abstract

The distribution of zinc in representative groups of parasitic helminths was determined by the use of the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results of these analyses have shown that growing flukes (smaller forms) with active oogenesis and spermatogenesis contained more zinc than old (large) or very old adults with an empty uterus and large lobulated testes. In cestodes, the neck region and immature proglottids showed more zinc concentration than mature and gravid proglottids and fully grown cyst walls. Similarly, the youngest endogenous daughter cysts of Echinococcus granulosus contained more zinc in their walls than those of larger/older forms. Zinc was concentrated more in nematode eggs than in adult females.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1989

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References

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