Ultrastructural investigation of the secondary excretory system in different stages of the procercoid of Triaenophorus nodulosus (Cestoda, Pseudophyllidea, Triaenophoridae)

Abstract

The formation of the definitive procercoid excretory system of the pseudophyllidean cestode Triaenophorus nodulosus has been investigated. This process can be divided into 3 main stages. In the first stage, active autophagic processes lead to the formation of intracellular excretory canals. In the second stage, the process of the autolysis is enhanced and the system of intercellular lacunae functioning as an excretory system is formed. A definitive excretory system of the procercoid forms at the next stage, by means of the migration and proliferation of undifferentiated cells replacing the lacunar system.